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Bhutia hat tricks for Bury reserves

A Bhaichung Bhutia hat-trick lit up the second division league match between Bury Reserves and Mansfield Town Reserves on Friday.

The 'trick comes appropos. Today, Bury FC goes into its Second Division league match against Scunthorpe United facing the prospect, if rumour speaks true, of losing several of its senior stars. And that makes Bhutia an almost certain starter.

Bhutia started off on the wrong foot, missing a penalty kick, but then struck in the first half to put his side in the lead. After the changeover, he latched on to a fine through pass from the right to drive home in style, before a header from close completed the hat-trick.

Bury faces a financial crunch with its shareholder Hugh Eaves under scrutiny for money misappropriation. The fans are staying away, the turnstiles are not raking it in, and the stars are reportedly up for grabs by neighbouring clubs.

Plus, the side is without a manager, ever since Neil Warnock left to join Sheffield United. In the interim, senior players have been paying the role of manager -- and thus far, no quality professional has shown much interest in taking over Warnock's job. Eric Harrison, ex-Manchester United, helps out with practise sessions, but when asked if he would take the job full-time, his "no" was both quick, and unequivocal.