GIGG LANE comes out of its mid-Winter hibernation tomorrow, February 8, with Bury in prime position to make a charge at the two automatic promotion places.

A combination of bad weather and other clubs' FA Cup commitments have kept the Shakers out of home league action since a 0-0 draw with Stockport on December 21 but Bury have remained in the top six with up to four games in hand on the teams above them.

Now they must build on the section's best home record in a bid to exert pressure on Brentford and Luton.

Bury, Brentford and Arsenal are the only three clubs in English professional football to boast unbeaten home league records. The Shakers' run has lasted since April 6 and they will be hoping to stretch it to 15 games tomorrow when crisis club Bournemouth make the long journey from the south coast.

Bury boss Stan Ternent watched his side put four past a Manchester United eleven in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Monday morning and is ready to name the same team that won 2-0 at York City last Saturday.

Ronnie Jepson, who scored the second in that game, is the only doubt because of a bad cold but is expected to have recovered in time.

John O'Kane, on loan from Old Trafford, is set to continue at left back with fit-again Gordon Armstrong on the bench.

"Just because Bournemouth are in trouble off the field doesn't mean they should be under-estimated," reckoned Ternent. "I watched them win 2-0 at Notts County on Tuesday and they are a useful side with a fine manager in Mel Machin. The have reacted to adversity in a positive fashion and haven't conceded a goal in four games and we are expecting a difficult contest.

"However, we are in good form and have worked hard while we've not been playing and we need to win our home games to keep up with the pace."

The Shakers take on Stockport in the AutoWindscreens Shield next Tuesday, February 11. If they win they will travel to Crewe for the Northern Area semi-final on February 18.

England under 18s will play Scotland in a friendly at Gigg Lane on February 18. Kick-off is 7pm and admission is £2 for adults and free for children and OAPs.

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