BURY skipper Martyn Forrest has played his last game this year after breaking his foot in Saturday's win at Colchester.

And, just to make matters worse, Greek defender George Syros is also out for six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in the same match.

It means the Shakers are now so stretched that some unfit players may have to be patched up and wheeled out for tonight's vital cup replay against Lincoln City at Gigg (kick off 7.45pm).

"I can't believe it," said Preece, whose delight at Saturday's fine victory has been tempered by the fresh injury blows. "Losing Fozzie (Forrest) is a massive blow because he has been playing superb, the best form of his career.

"He has come into the team and led by example and was having a great run. He is devastated by the injury because he has been playing so consistently well.

"George is out for a while with his injury and David Borley turned his ankle in training yesterday and probably won't make it.

"There's no doubt about it, we are struggling and I've a difficult decision to make.

"It's vital that we win the cup match but on the other hand I don't want to risk players who are almost fit like Paul Reid, Harpal Singh and Danny Swailes because if they get injured again it could put them out for five or six weeks."

Gareth Seddon is also out, still suffering from the groin strain which sidelined him at Colchester. Ian Lawson will again deputise.

What makes it worse is that Paddy Kenny and Lee Unsworth are also missing through suspension.

Lee Connell will replace Unsworth to make his first start of the season while Glyn Garner comes in for his full league debut in place of Paddy.

Speaking of injuries, one of the more bizarre ones ocurred over the weekend to Bury's Mali trialist Abdou Tangara.

Tangara awoke in his hotel room to find an intruder. In the ensuing struggle Tangara put his arm through the window and suffered an 18 inch cut.

"He's okay and we'll give him time to recover," added Preece.

For anyone who hasn't seen Tangara, he is 6'5 tall and almost as wide. You certainly wouldn't want to be the intruder.