But for a second-half goal from striker Tom Youngs it could have been worse for the Shakers.
The former Cambridge United marksman scrambled home from close range to cancel out a 25th-minute header by Mansfield defender Alex John-Baptiste.
The visitors were forced to bring in reserve keeper Carl Muggleton just before kick-off when usual keeper Jason White was injured in the warm up.
And the Stags felt they should have had a penalty before half-time but referee Tony Bates waved play-on after Darren Kempson brought down Stephen Dawson.
Bury were much brighter in the second-half and deserved their equaliser. They should have gone on to gain their first home success since December 16th, but Muggleton kept out efforts from Glynn Hurst and Jason Kennedy.