Bury Town put on a much-improved display at The Dripping Pan, against Lewes, but came away with a 1-0 defeat.

The first opportunity fell to Lewes on 16 minutes. A free-kick from Tom Davis rebounded to Matt Crabb who shot over the bar.

Bury responded with a well-struck free kick on 21 minutes from Callum Bennett, which saw Lewes goalkeeper Rikki Banks pull off a good save.

Blues had another great opportunity on 29 minutes, Kye Ruel whipping in a dangerous corner which was met by Joe Benjamin, but his shot was saved on the line by Banks.

Bury went behind on 32 minutes when a lucky deflection landed at the feet of Luke Blewden who scored from close range.

Bury almost got level on 42 minutes when another quality corner from Ruel was headed by Connor Hall at point blank range forcing a brilliant save from Banks. Bennett then saved Bury in the last minute of the half clearing a shot of the line from Blewden.

After the break, Bury continued to press forward looking for the equaliser and their best chance came in the 65 minute after a great through ball found Bury substitute Tevan Allen in the box. He had two chances to score but couldn’t make them count as the ball eventually went out of play.

A minute later, Seb Dunbar was sent off for a second yellow card. Bury continued to battle until the final whistle and never gave up but ended up with another defeat.