IT'S an old boys reunion at Gigg Lane on Saturday and Andy Preece is hoping to make it one to forget for two ex-Shakers.

Huddersfield Town are the visitors and they'll be bringing with them former Gigg Lane favourites Jon Newby and Ian Hughes.

Both have featured in each of the Terriers' first six competitive games this season and will be eager to put on a good show in front of what were once adoring fans.

The abilities of quicksilver striker Newby are still fresh in the memory after he left in the summer, but for Welsh Under-21 international central defender Hughes it's a few years since he returned to his Bury roots.

Son of another former Bury player Roy Hughes, Ian came through the junior ranks during the 1990s only to be sold to Blackpool for £200,000 in December 1997 at a time when Stan Ternent was desperate for a cash injection.

After being surprisingly released by Pool boss Steve McMahon in the summer the utility man, who is now playing right back for the Terriers, doesn't regret making the move to the McAlpine Stadium.

"I'm enjoying it at Huddersfield, they are a great set of lads and we have the makings of a good side," he said.

"We've had bit of an iffy start but have a relatively new team and one or two injuries that you can't afford with a smaller squad.

"A good number of players came in during the summer and sometimes it takes time to get adjusted but I'm sure we'll do well."

Newby, who has been asked to play both up front and wide by manager Peter Jackson, hasn't scored so far this season, something that might focus the minds of Bury's defenders tomorrow.

"In fact I'm already one in front of him," added Hughes, who scored in the 2-2 draw at Boston three weeks ago.

"I ribbed him in training that I'd finish with more goals this season, but seriously, he'll be up for it tomorrow.

"He's looking for a goal so Bury had better watch out!"

Atmosphere

But Shakers boss Andy Preece hopes it is Town who are going to get their noses put out of joint and is looking for the kind of red hot atmosphere that ended the Lincoln game.

Two goals in the final ten minutes gave the Shakers an unlikely win and the manager is keen his side carry where they left off on Bank Holiday Monday.

"It's important we start off well and give our fans something to cheer about," he said.

"They will being a big following so there should be a great atmosphere.

"We know all about the threat Newbs poses and I played with Hughesy at Blackpool and know he always gives 100 per cent.

"We've got to start making Gigg Lane a difficult place to come to and get some wins under our belts."

Preece is still without midfielders George Clegg (knee) and Terry Dunfield (shoulder) while striker Chris Porter is rated doubtful with his ankle problem.

Porter will be given every chance to prove his fitness as will Matt Barrass who has a slight knee injury.

Town have injury problems of their own with winger John Thorrington, striker Andy Booth and central defender Steve Yates all doubts while midfielder Lee Fowler is on international duty with Wales.

Kick-off at Gigg Lane is 3pm.