SHAKERS fans turned out in force on Tuesday night as Bury enjoyed its biggest crowd for 18 years.

Almost 8,400 supporters witnessed the club's crucial League Two home clash with Southend at the JD Stadium.

They took advantage of chairman Stewart Day’s offer of free entry after the original fixture was abandoned after just due to a waterlogged pitch.

Club officials were delighted with the turnout - and the only disappointment on the night was that promotion-chasing Bury lost 1-0 to their visitors.

Supporters also had the opportunity to applaud the club's Under 18s squad who did a lap of honour after clinching the Football League Youth Alliance North West title.

One of the regular Shakers fans among the bumper crowd was Bury councillor Roy Walker, who has been a season ticket holder since 1981.

He said: "It was a good and lively atmosphere, although as far as the result was concerned, it was a disappointing outcome.

"I think we must also admire the Southend fans who came all the way to Bury again, so I suppose we shouldn't really begrudge them the win. I was quite depressed that we lost, but we get used to it."

He hoped that many of the fans who came to the stadium for the first time, lured by the offer of free entry, will return to support the team.

Bury FC press officer Gordon Sorfleet said he was "over the moon" by the attendance figure of 8,396— the largest crowd since 1997 when Bury hosted Manchester City and drew 1-1.

"We'd like to think they'll all come back again — even if half of them returned it would be great. Despite the result, the promotion push is by no means over."

The result leaves Bury in fifth position, two spots outside automatic promotion, but already assured of a place in the play-offs.

Full report and reaction: see Bury Times Sport