Macclesfield remain stuck in the battle for Football League survival after suffering defeat at Bury.

Neil Ashton and Francis Green lashed wildly off target from promising positions, while a superb block from Efe Sodje denied Danny Thomas.

Bury had an effort disallowed for offside just before Andy Bishop squared for Elliott Bennett to blast home.

David Buchanan fired over and Bishop also wasted a good chance for Bury to add to their advantage.

Bury: Provett, Haslam, Futcher, Sodje, Buchanan, Bennett, Baker, Scott, Adams, Bishop, Rooney (Hurst 76).
Subs Not Used: Grundy, Stephens, Rouse, Anane.

Booked: Sodje.

Goals: Bennett 43.

Macclesfield: Brain, Brisley (Izak Reid 54), Cresswell (Symes 70), Hessey, Jennings, Ashton, Dunfield, Walker, Thomas, Green, Evans (Gritton 61).
Subs Not Used: Edghill, Dimech.

Booked: Ashton, Dunfield, Jennings.

Att: 2,506.

Ref: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).