Shrewsbury 4 Bury 1

Last updated : 26 December 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Shrewsbury Town's crazy Christmas continued as they followed last Saturday's 6-0 thrashing at lowly Boston with a 4-1 home win over high-flying Bury.

Striker Ryan Lowe grabbed a second-half hat-trick as Shrewsbury eventually ran out comfortable winners against the promotion-chasing Gigg Lane side - who were reduced to ten men following the 77th minute dismissal of full-back Jamie Stuart, for a second bookable offence.

After being hit for six by Boston five days ago, Shrewsbury boss Kevin Ratcliffe wheeled the axe and out went Matt Redmile and Jason Van Blerk, with Peter Wilding restored to the heart of Shrewsbury's fragile defence.

It was a decision that paid immediate dividends as Wilding volleyed the Gay Meadow side ahead in the 13th minute, scoring from 12 yards after Bury keeper Glyn Garner had palmed out an Ian Woan corner.

Just 60 seconds later Wilding then made a vital contribution at the opposite end - clearing off the line from Bury skipper Jon Newby, after he had rounded Shrews goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin.

In a highly entertaining first half Woan, Jamie Tolley and top scorer Luke Rodgers all went close to increasing the home side's lead, while twice Newby almost restored level terms.

There were, however, no more goals until the 67th minute - when Lowe netted from close range, this after Bury had dominated the opening quarter hour of the second half.

Following Stuart's red card 13 minutes from time, Lowe put the issue beyond all doubt in the 84th minute with a cool finish from 18 yards and although substitute David Nugent netted a consolation for the Shakers three minutes later, it was Lowe who had the final say.

Right at the death, winger Sam Aiston who was introduced 20 minutes from time, crossed low into the box where Lowe was on hand to score his eighth goal of the season - and complete his first hat-trick of the campaign with a sweetly struck right-foot shot.