Bury Town slumped to another heartbreaking defeat on Saturday and, in doing so, slipped to the bottom of the Ryman Premier Division.

East Anglian Daily Times: Bury keeper Alex Archer cannot keep Leon Smith's header outBury keeper Alex Archer cannot keep Leon Smith's header out (Image: Archant)

The valiant Blues put everything into this game against opposition potentially destined for Conference football, but ultimately, as so often this season, came up short.

A missed penalty by Blues striker Chris Benjamin in the 90th minute, with Bury 2-1 down, summed up the home team’s luck against third-placed Hendon.

So close, yet so far. The home fans saw the penalty squandered, before insult was added to injury, Hendon striker Kezie Ibe scoring a breakaway third goal seconds later.

What made the result even worse was the fact that fellow strugglers AFC Hornchurch picked up a point against East Thurock. Bury now sit right at the very bottom of the division, having played more games than their rivals, with the league’s worst scoring record and fourth-worst defence.

Week after week, Ben Chenery’s men seem to have this rotten knack of being competitive, playing really well, but ultimately coming away point-less. They also don’t get much fortune.

Take Hendon’s second goal at the weekend, a complete fluke which set the scene at Ram Meadow.

Right on the stroke of half-time, with the referee about to blow for the interval, Lee O’Leary scuffed an awful left-footed shot from outside the box, which looked unlikely to trouble Bury goalkeeper Alex Archer.

However, just a few seconds later, the ball was in the back of the net as it skidded off the turf, ricocheted off Ibe and looped over the bewildered goalkeeper.

That said, Bury didn’t help themselves either, Chris Benjamin’s woefully weak spot-kick, which could have rescued a point, being kept out by Ben McNamara.

Hendon looked a good side and were largely in control of possession, but Bury kept with them.

Andre Da Costa was a superb outlet for the visitors all afternoon, and his excellent 21st-minute run and cross was similarly expertly finished by Leon Smith’s thumping header.

Da Costa then brought out a fine save from Archer with his legs as the winger threatened to run riot, but the hosts pulled level in the 34th minute.

Joe Benjamin released Jordan Patrick down by the byline, and his precise cut back was brilliantly side-footed home by Russell Short.

Then came the moment Ibe knew nothing about before Archer made a brilliant point-blank save to deny Dave Diedhiou just after the restart.

As time wore on, both sides had chances with Tevan Allen so unlucky to just miss out on Joe Benjamin’s outstanding run and cross.

Bury then had their golden chance, after a mesmerising run from Joe Benjamin drew a foul in the penalty box, but it wasn’t to be.