Wrexham 1 Bury 0 IT was obvious we had arrived in Wales when the Hill Forecast was read out on the radio.

The report - which reckoned it would be windy on the hills - was just like this game: predictable.

Bury once again played well and had good chances but conceded a late goal and failed to take anything from the match.

Jon Newby hit the post and Gareth Seddon had a shot cleared off the line as Bury sought the second half goal their fine build up work deserved.

Then, out of nothing, Wrexham goal machine Lee Trundle - kept quiet for 82 minutes by the impressive defensive pairing of Danny Swailes and Greek new boy George Syros - side-stepped Swailes on the edge of the box and cracked a vicious shot past a helpless Paddy Kenny.

"We did everything right tonight," said a disappointed Preece. "We played good football but we just couldn't find the finishing touch. Then Danny Swailes makes one small slip and we get punished.

"People seeing this result at home will probably groan and think 'oh, they've lost again' but those here know the truth. We played well and deserved better."

The Shakers certainly did but at the moment it seems as though Lady Luck has packed her bags and moved out of Gigg Lane.

Not only was the result bad but Bury suffered yet another injury blow, this time Matt Barrass suffering a serious knee injury which, Preece fears, could rule the young full back out for months.

Despite all the gloom, there was one thing for Preece to take heart from. Harpal Singh, signed on loan from Leeds United yesterday, replaced the striken Barrass and proved why David O'Leary rates him so highly. The tricky winger tied the Wrexham defence in knots and almost had a goal with his first touch when he sent over a wicked cross which the home side's keeper Kristian Rogers did well to divert.

"He was lively, has good feet and he's quick. He is just what we need," agreed the manager. "I don't think we'll get him permanently. He's here for a month and, if he enjoys it and Leeds agree, then hopefully we can make it a little longer."

Singh enjoyed himself too. He added: "It was a good game to come into and I thought we were really unlucky.

"I got a call yesterday saying I was coming to Bury which came as a shock to me but I'm delighted to be here. I need experience of first team football because it's hard to get into the Leeds team and I'm looking foward to my time here."

BURY: Kenny 7, Barrass 7, Syros 8, SWAILES 8, Armstrong 8, Reid 7, Billy 8, Jarrett 7, Bullock 7, Newby 8, Seddon 8. Subs: Singh (for Barrass 58), Forrest (for Bullock 83), Murphy (for Newby 90), Redmond, Collins.