Rochdale 0 Bury 1 - SHAKERS boss Andy Preece was left purring at Bury's bright future after watching his fringe fledglings clinch a brave derby win and a place in the LDV Vans Trophy second round.

A spectacular strike from veteran defender Colin Woodthorpe ensured that, for the first time in 12 years, Bury will find themselves alive and kicking in all three cup competitions when the draws for the LDV and FA Cup are made on Saturday.

But it was the contribution from the expanding army of talented teenagers which suddenly kicked open a hallway of doors for the cash-strapped Gigg Lane chief.

Paul O'Shaughnessy, Nicky Hill and Simon Whaley still have little chance of holding down a first team place when Bury return to the serious business of league football on Saturday.

But their confident and eminently competent display against a near full-strength Rochdale side proved the seeds of Bury's academy set-up are now set for full bloom, should the club's financial constraints force the release of their more established colleagues.

"I'm very proud of all the young lads," a visibly enthused Preece said afterwards.

"Shaughny and Hilly have been waiting a long time for an opportunity but have shown a great attitude in training and reserve matches. Tonight they got their reward and I was delighted with how they played.

"Simon Whaley is going to be a bit of a talent, along with David Nugent and Tom Kennedy. They are all a bit special. So it's a great time to be a Bury fan and a Bury manager."

Hill's unflappable defending, guided expertly by the experience of Steve Redmond, allowed Dale little in the way of clear-cut chances throughout the first half, with Danny Swailes keeping their best effort, a Lee McEvilly header, out of harm's way with a goalline header.

Swailes almost broke the deadlock at the other end, again with a header which was palmed around the post by 'keeper Matthew Gilks.

The game was, in most part, a dour affair with little penetration to complement the solid build-up play from both sides but it finally came to life after 72 minutes when Steve Macauley failed to clear Nugent's cross and Woodthorpe's first time shot from the edge of the 'D', rocketed past Gilks.

Gareth Griffiths, Kevin Townson and skipper Paul Simpson all had gilt-edged chances to take the game into extra-time but they found Bury 'keeper Glyn Garner once again in exceptional form as his new found reliable reputation grows.

Stat Attack: Garner 8, Swailes 7, Unsworth 7, O'Shaughnessy 8, Hill 8, Redmond 7, George 8, Johnrose 7, Woodthorpe 7, Nugent 7, Abbott 7. Subs: Whaley (for George 74) 7, Preece (for Abbott 90) 6. Not used: Connell, Forrest, Evans.

Referee: M Ryan

Attendance: 2,486