The Blues, determined to bounce back from their midweek home defeat, were the dominant force in this clash.

There is no doubt that their visitors were delighted to claim a point they really did not deserve as they battle to keep ahead of AFC Sudbury for the automatic promotion place.

From the start, the Blues looked bright and Scott Chaplin's long-range effort required a fingertip save from a full-stretch keeper to prevent Bury from taking an early lead.

At the other end, the Darts showed little ambition, their best effort of the first half hour coming when Hayes and Cass combined but the latter's strike was well covered by Dean Greygoose.

The half remained goalless despite a Gavin Johnson goal-bound free-kick taking a deflection for a corner. Soon after, Lee Smith's cross found Tom Bullard but his header was off target.

However, what all this proved was that their table-topping visitors were vulnerable and it was up to Bury to exploit this weakness.
After the break, the hosts went in search of a breakthrough and Smith deserved to put his name to it following some fine attacking play.

However, the name on the scoresheet was Michael Steward, who put the final touch to a cross from Stuart Walker following some impressive build-up play in the 71st minute.

Disappointingly, Town relinquished their advantage too easily when they failed to clear from a cross and Cass pounced on the loose ball to claim the equaliser seven minutes later.

It was a blow to the hosts and the Darts enjoyed their best period of the game but that was only temporary as Town regrouped in search of a winner.

Steve Bugg's cross from deep on the right found substitute Liam Barrett at the front post. Unfortunately, he was unable to get the ball over the line for a goal that would not have been more than Bury deserved.

Attendance: 511