Player Ratings: Bury 0-2 Bolton Wanderers

Another great display from the lads in Bury's Cup Final saw the Whites win 2-0 to record a fifth straight win and clean sheet. It was brilliant to watch, not necessarily because we played so well, but because of the control we had over our opponents; it was men vs boys. Here's how the men did:

Mark Howard 7

Had almost nothing to do with the exception of an Anthony Kay header that he gathered and then launched down the pitch with unerring accuracy to find Zach Clough.

He then proceeded to win a penalty and put us 1-0 up. Howard is a solid keeper and his distribution is really improving.

Lawrie Wilson 7.5

Another good outing from Wilson as he defended stoutly apart from being skinned once by the tricky Danny Mayor. Other than that he kept him quiet and I was very impressed with his reading of the game as he made a few good interceptions that helped start counter attacks.

I would start him over Buxton.

David Wheater 9

Another imperious and faultless display from Wheater.

Mark Beevers 9

Another imperious and faultless display from Beevers.

Andrew Taylor 7.5

I agree with Marc Iles in that this was the best Taylor has played since joining the club.

He kept a very good player in Ismail quiet and also looked to get forward which is the only thing Moxey gives us that Taylor doesn't. Thus, if he continues in this vein, I don't see any reason to drop him.

Derik Osede 6.5

While he certainly grew into the game later on, his first half display was poor. He didn't win any challenges in the air or on the deck, nor was his passing especially brilliant.

Once he and Spearing had decided that they weren't going to get in each other's way and play as a unit, he did fine, though.

Jay Spearing 8

He is one of the best midfielders in this League and he continues to show why.

He was kicked around by Bury but kept his composure to deliver a great defensive display while also getting forward at times. The calmness he brings to the midfield is invaluable.

Sammy Ameobi 7

A little less erratic than before but Sammy still frustrates me.

Twice he was direct and heading for goal, slicing through the opposition easily, but he couldn't score and then didn't do it again. WHY?? He is good enough to tear teams to bits but doesn't fancy it sometimes. Getting better though.

Josh Vela 7

His work rate was commendable and he puts pressure on the backline to the point that they will obviously make mistakes. He's in a new role and still learning it so I'll forgive him for the fact that he didn't do a lot with the ball but I want to see him being more of a playmaker.

I know he can do it and I think the positon suits him too.

Zach Clough 8.5

Bury were scared of him and he used it to his advantage. While I think he went down way too easily with the first penalty, the second was made by him being direct and terrifying the hapless Leon Barnett.

He finished them well but I want to see him finishing chances like the one Neil Danns presented to him on a plate. He's getting there though.

Gary Madine 7.5

I love the man and I think the tireless work he put in yesterday was amazing for someone who last season looked like he couldn't be arsed.

He still isn't getting any chances though and I think he may struggle to stay motivated to keep doing thankless work. However, he's doing it so well and his link up play has improved drastically therefore I'm keen to see him stay in this role to help the team.

Subs:

Jamie Proctor 6

Made a great chance for himself by working hard but his finish was woeful.

I think he needed it to go in and I'm starting to worry.

James Henry 6

Unlucky to be out of the side as he was good when he came on. Shows the good strength in depth we have.

Chris Taylor N/A

Didn't touch the ball.