City's perfect start to 2008 was ended by a spectacular late equaliser.
Dale Stephens blazed home from 25 yards with only three minutes left to earn Bury a point.
It was a frustrating finish for City, who had led twice and looked on course for a third straight win.
Barry Conlon had opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time from the penalty spot after Steve Haslam handled Omar Daley's cross.
But Bury levelled 11 minutes after the break as Andy Bishop, a striker interesting a couple of League One clubs, fired his 13th goal of the season.
City restored their advantage, though, when substitute Kyle Nix slotted home from Omar Daley's pass.
But Bury had the final say with a wonder goal that gave Donovan Ricketts no chance.
CITY: Ricketts, Williams, Wetherall, Clarke, Heckingbottom, Colbeck, Evans, Bullock, Daley, Thorne, Conlon. Subs: Nix, Johnson, Ainge, Rhodes, Saynor.
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