THE true spirit of soccer friendship was there for all to see at York City's Bootham Crescent on Saturday writes PHIL THORP.

Members of Forever Bury - the Bury FC supporters trust - got together with City fans collecting vital contributions to help keep the cash-strapped club alive.

In scenes reminiscent of Gigg Lane 12 months ago, more than £20,000 -- an incredible amount -- was raised on the day and hopes were high that a rescue package could be thrashed out this week.

A spokesman for City's supporters' trust said: "We'd like to say thank you to those Bury fans who collected in the away end on the day and even brought their own buckets!

"We've had some excellent help from opposing supporters but this was a first.

"The total collected on the away terrace was £117.97, but loads of Bury fans were making very healthy contributions - notes as well as coins -- before they'd even got in the ground.

"Along with on-line donations from Shakers, I would say that fans of Bury FC have made a VERY significant contribution towards saving York City from extinction and we will always be grateful."