Anthony Johnson delivers “business” admission as Bury open up seven-point gap at summit of NPL West Division

Victory over Breck marked the fourth consecutive win-to-nil since Johnson took over at his boyhood club, and extended Bury’s unbeaten run to 14 league games in the process.

It’s been a busy few weeks since he arrived, with the fanfare around the appointment mixed with midweek games and this past Friday night, and the Shakers boss is looking forward to a moreregular week as his side continues to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. 

“It’s the first time since I’ve been here that we can have a normal week. All the training nights have been skewed, so we can have a proper Tuesday, Thursday, game week,” he explained.

“I’ve said to the players after the game, and this is probably a message to the supporters too. I don’t want to come across as miserable - but it’s just business.

“Last Saturday [Johnson’s first home game] was one of the best days of my life, and I enjoyed every minute, but for me, each game and each win is about the business side.”

That being said, he relished in a massive win in a six-pointer atop the table against a side who have had Bury’s number multiple times in their rise up to Step 4, including earlier this season, when Breck beat them 2-0 at Gigg Lane.

“It’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?” he continued. 

“To come here on a Friday night, similarly to a Tuesday, with everyone being at work, rushing through traffic to get here, and to put on a brilliant performance like that.

“You’ve got to credit Breck. For 60 minutes there’s nothing in the game, but we took control, and it was well-deserved in the end. 

“Three points, and the performance was everything we were talking about and looking for during the week.”

The focus for Johnson, as mentioned, is on the next game, then the game after that, as he aims to guide Bury over the line for back-to-back league titles and promotion to Step 3.

“We’ve gone seven clear tonight. Obviously it’s still in Avro’s hands, but we can watch their results come in knowing that we’re in a good position with nine to go,” he concluded.

“Players and supporters enjoy each win, but for me, it’s about getting results on the board.

“And if we get what we’re all aiming for at the end of the season, I can enjoy it a bit more.”