Bury 2, Tranmere Rovers 0 by Chris Hall: JOHN Newby brought his goal drought to a welcome halt to eliminate Second Division Tranmere and book Shakers a place in the Northern Area semi-finals of the LDV Vans Trophy.

The popular striker has struggled to find the net since his prolific start to the campaign, with only one goal from 14 matches before last night's clash.

Only 1,600 die hards turned out to watch Newby encouragingly recapture his eye for goal, by lashing home at the far post from Colin Woodthorpe's 14th minute corner, before returning to his usual creative role by laying on Dave Nugent's second career goal against a Rovers outfit who simply never warmed to the occasion.

Although he did miss a couple of chances manager Andy Preece was nothing but encouraged by the performance of his young skipper, who now stands on nine goals for the season.

"I'm just pleased to see him finally move off eight goals," he said. "The first chance he missed was a bit tricky and I think he was just

focussed on keeping the ball down for the other one.

"But I thought he linked up well with Nugent and they worked very well together for the second goal. Jon,s had a rough spell but you could see his performances pick up in the last couple of games and you could tell a goal was just around the corner."

While Newby remains Shakers, main goal threat, Nugent's case for a regular place in the first 11 was endorsed further by another performance beyond his years against players beyond his experience.

Paul O'Shaughnessy was also impressive and his composure allowed him to launch Newby's 54th minute raid down the left flank, which resulted in Nugent firing home the squared ball from the penalty spot to seal the latest cup upset at Gigg Lane this season.

Stat attack: Garner 8, Barrass 8, Swailes 7, Hill 7, Unsworth 7, Woodthorpe

8, O,Shaughnessy 8, Johnrose 7, Lawson 7, Newby 8, Nugent 9. Subs used:

Whaley (for Newby 69) 6, Forrest (for Lawson 81) 6. Not used: Preece,

George, Evans.

Attendance: 1,656

Referee: Mr A Bates