The Shakers went ahead through Danny Hudson but second half goals from substitute Abdul Razak, Frederic Veseli and Joan Roman gave the Blues a deserved and hard-fought victory.
City made an impressive start, with trialist Sarafim Mihaljov’s shot producing a save from Bury goalkeeper Ritchie Branagan. Just moments later a free kick from Owen Hargreaves flashed wide of the Shakers’ post.
After the Blues lively start the home side settled into their stride and took full advantage of an error in City’s defence to take the lead.
With 13 minutes gone, Shakers’ striker Hudson was left with the goal at his mercy and made no mistake, blasting the ball calmly past Eirik Johansen.
City offered an immediate response and pressed forward in search of an opening. But prizing open the stubborn Bury defence proved a difficult task despite Joan Roman’s best efforts, with the Spaniard’s trickery often thwarted by the tenacious Shakers.
Andy Welsh’s men came inches within an equaliser when Roman hit the post with a fierce effort and Jeremy Helan blazed a credible chance over the bar just before half time.
Both sides made a frantic start after the break but it was City who capitalised, with substitute Razak equalising as his solid strike beat Branagan after good work from Helan on the left.
The Blues had the chance to take the lead minutes later, this time through substitute Jordi Hiwula after Denis Suarez had played him through, but his shot went achingly wide of the post.
But City’s persistence paid off and the Blues took the lead after Wayne Bridge broke down the left and floated the ball into Hiwula. The youngster’s shot was saved but Veseli made no mistake, slotting the ball home to give Welsh’s team the advantage.
Bury had chances to pull level, with Wade Joyce and Mark Hughes going close for the Shakers, but City stood firm and Roman pounced to make sure on 79 minutes, cutting inside for a shot that was deflected by Melia past his stranded goalkeeper.
Coach Welsh said: “I’m delighted with the possession and number of chances we created as well as the result. Wayne Bridge and Owen Hargreaves were excellent in terms of attitude and application, and Roman and Suarez both did well among others.
“It’s a pleasing result because we’re out to recapture the Senior Cup and that makes it 12 points from four games for us.”
