Rochdale 0 - Bury 1 - BURY boss Andy Preece reckons these are great times to be a Shakers fan and on the evidence of Tuesday night that's an assessment that's hard to argue.

Preece made seven changes to the team that defeated high-flying Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday and his 'shadow squad' still had too much for local rivals Rochdale.

And following on from the Worthington Cup demolition of Bolton three weeks ago local bragging rights have never been as abundant for Gigg Lane fans.

It was a magnificent left foot strike from Colin Woodthorpe that fired the Shakers into the second round of the LDV Vans Trophy and kept them in the hunt in all three cup competitions for the first time in 12 years.

With regular first teamers John Newby, Terry Dunfield, Matty Barrass, Chris Billy, Jamie Stuart, Michael Nelson and Gareth Seddon all rested it was the chance of the club's blossoming young talent and fringe players to prove their worth.

And prove it they did.

Midfielder Paul O'Shaughnessy stepped up for his full debut with Nicky Hill getting a rare first eleven outing and both excelled against a near full-strength Rochdale side.

Talented 17-year-old Dave Nugent put in another promising 90 minutes while there was also an appearance off the bench for the next exciting prospect to come through the youth ranks, Simon Whaley

Former Luton star Liam George too, got his first full run out in a Shakers shirt and he looked lively in possession on the left flank but it was the performance of prodigal son Lenny Johnrose that caught the eye.

As tenacious as ever and always looking to get forward from midfield, he proved he still has what it takes and will be a valuable acquision this season if finances allow him to stay on after the end of his month's contract.

"I'm proud of all the team tonight," declared Preece. "Lads like Shaughny and Hilly have been itching to get into the first team and they've shown great attitude in training and in the reserves.

"Liam (George) too always looked likely to do something while Steve Redmond, whose been out for a long time, did a great job at the back sweeping up"

Redmond, aided by Hill and Danny Swailes, gave Rochdale little in the way of openings in the first half and the closest the home side came to breaking the deadlock was a Lee McEvilly header that was cleared from under the bar by Swailes.

Swailes also went close at the other end with a header that almost crept in at the post but 'Dale 'keeper Matthew Gilks was equal to it.

Woodthorpe is making a habit of scoring against derby rivals in cup competitions.

And if there was a slight doubt about him being credited with the winning goal against Bolton there was no disputing his fine drive from the edge of the box after the home defence made a hash of clearing the ball.

Player-boss Paul Simpson did his level best to get his side back into the game with a series of long range efforts but Glyn Garner in the Shakers goal was, once again, in fine form and capably dealt with anything thrown at him.

"Even though we made a lot of changes from Saturday I felt the basis of the side was strong," added Preece.

"With so many good players in the squad I have a big problem, but it's a nice one to have.

"I just hope I am able to keep hold of most of them but that is going to be down to finance."

BURY: Garner 8, Swailes 7, Unsworth 7, O'Shaughnessy 8, Hill 8, Redmond 8, George 7, Johnrose 8, Woodthorpe 8, Nugent 7, Abbot 7. Subs: Whaley (for George, 74) 7; Preece (for Abbott, 90). Not used: Connell, Forrest & Evans.

REFEREE: Mr M. Ryan (Lancashire).

ATTENDANCE: 2,486