Boss blasts below-par Bury

Bury boss Richie Barker called his side's display in the 3-0 defeat at rivals Rochdale `unacceptable`.

A goal from Jean Louis Akpa Akpro and a brace from Ashley Grimes handed Dale a comfortable win against a disappointing Shakers side in John Coleman's first game in charge of the Spotland club.

"It wasn't acceptable," said Barker. "This is probably only the third time in 30 games that I have not been able to defend the players, which is not so bad - but I cannot come out and defend performances like that.

"I cannot explain it. With all due respect to Rochdale, the table doesn't lie - but they out-worked us.

"Our work-rate was miles off. We told them before the game that Rochdale's performance was going to be all about work-rate and desire, appointing a manager was going to lift everyone and that's how it panned out.

"We won 10 per cent of our tackles, 10 per cent of our headers and you cannot go into a derby and expect to get anything out of the game playing like that."