STRIKER Pawel Abbott has developed a fine understanding with another big favourite at Gigg Lane, striker Jon Newby.

"We hit it off from our first match together," said Abbott, who had two reasons to be delighted with his performance against York.

Both his goal and assist came courtesy of some fine headwork and he explained: "I used to get a fair bit of stick at Preston because they said I didn't use my head enough. I think I showed tonight that I can use it."

Abbott was born and brought up in York and he added: "It was nice to score against my hometown club. I used to go to watch them with my brother and it's always something you have at the back of your mind."

Abbott's first crucial intervention came in the 20th minute when he headed on Bury keeper Glyn Garner's long punt upfield. George Clegg provided a fine pass into the path of Newby and the former Liverpool striker did the rest with a smart angled shot.

Seven minutes later came the most pleasing moment of the night for Abbott when he rose to meet Terry Dunfield's left wing cross with a forceful header that again beat Fettis all ends up.