And while the abuse aimed at the likeable young manager is not to be condoned, even Preece himself must admit that he got it badly wrong this afternoon, despite it being the Shakers defence who will take much of the criticism for this terrible and embarassing defeat at the hands of a Bournemouth side without an away win this term and only one victory at all since the start of the season in August.

"the Shakers forfeited home advantage almost immediately"

Choosing to plump for a forward line of experience and guile to overcome the Shakers' goalscoring problem, with Paul Barnes handed a suprise reprieve in place of Adrian Littlejohn and the manager himself alongside, Preece will feel largely let down by the contribution of his colleague Barnes. The selection of the veteran, who has not featured at all since August and is only recently playing again following an injury problem, was a major gamble by the boss which did not come off today, and the Shakers fans voiced their disappointment too, as Barnes was carried from the field by some highly-charged jeering.

Back at Gigg Lane after two tough away matches in the past week, the Shakers forfeited home advantage almost immediately, conceding after just five minutes and going two down before a quarter of an hour had been played. It was Claus Jorgensen who opened the scoring after star man Hayter laid an intelligent pass into the area, leaving the Dane with a simple finish to make it one nil. Then Hayter pounced on a through ball which defender Steve Redmond deflected into his path, to volley past Kenny for the second and stun the meagre home crowd.

"the boss has plenty to ponder before the visit of second-placed Reading on Tuesday evening"

Redmond however made amends with a powerful header soon after the break, converting Paul Reid's left-wing corner into a Bury goal which should have sparked a revival from the Shakers. Yet only six minutes afterwards Hayter restored the Cherries' two-goal advantage with a tap-in following a good save by Patrick Kenny from Steve Fletcher which went unrewarded. Bournemouth's fourth and Hayter's fifth five minutes later signalled an unprecedented walk-out by the Bury supporters, as their frustration overspilt by the touchline.

Andy Preece became embroiled in an argument, Paul Reid lost the ball from the kick-off and, in farcical circumstances, it was five for the visitors as Hayter stole in to score. The boss grabbed a consolation from the penalty spot to secure his first goal of the season with ten minutes remaining, but has plenty to ponder before the visit of second-placed Reading on Tuesday evening.

Shakers Team: Patrick Kenny, Chris Swailes, Steve Redmond*, Sam Collins, Lee Unsworth, Chris Billy, Paul Reid, Nick Daws, Jason Jarrett***, Paul Barnes**, Andy Preece.