Skipper's dismissal changed game - Midweek Times, 03 October 1995:
DISAPPOINTED Bury manager Stan Ternent was adamant that David Pugh's sending-off was the crucial turning point in Saturday's defeat. "It was a tough match but the 3-0 scoreline wasn't a fair reflection of the game and flattered them," ventured the Bury boss. "Gillingham are a strong side and on the day were probably better than us but while we were only one goal down, I still felt we were in with a chance. "We created two or three good openings in the first half but once Pugh went off the game changed completely and their two late goals did us. "I'll reserve judgement on the sending-off incident until I see the video but there was some provocation," he added. There was some pleasure for Ternent in the performance of new-signing Dean West a second half substitute. "I thought Dean played very well and looked lively in difficult circumstances. "It's never easy coming on when you're down to ten men," concluded the Shakers chief. Gills' manager Tony Pulis whose table-topping side featured nine new players from last season was delighted with the progress his side have made. "I'm surprised that we've gelled so well so early, it takes a long time to get players playing in a certain pattern. "We knew Bury were a big, physical side but we stuck to our task. We needed a goal and once we got one our football flowed better as we relaxed. "I was pleased with our overall performance and I thought our two front players were excellent and gave us a lead from the first whistle," concluded the Gills boss.