Bury welcome their nearest neighbours to Gigg Lane for what will undoubtedly

be an interesting Lancashire hot pot. The Shakers have quietly risen to 4th

place in the table whilst the 'Dale have recovered from a calamitous run to

win their last two games, not least beating table toppers Hartlepool 4-0!

Whilst the Bury camp has been buoyed by the signing of Canadian 20 year old

Terry Dunfield from Man City, the payback for manager Andy Preece is the

dictum from the Board Room that he must reduce the size of his squad. Preece

has 4 players on a month to month contract basis, and who seem to be the

most vulnerable, including Bury legend and former Claret, Lenny Johnrose,

and it looks like there will be some bad Yuletide news for some households.

A good crowd and some good natured local banter among fans make for an

intruiging aftenoon as 'Dale seek some revenge for their defeat at the hands

of Burys' reserve team in the LDV, whereas Bury must convince the townsfolk

of their promotion aspirations with a convncing victory.