BURY FC have been drawn a money-spinning home tie against Stoke City in the first round of the Worthington Cup.

The Potters - newly promoted to Division One - can be expected to bring a sizeable away following to Gigg Lane on Tuesday, September 10.

It's a draw that could bring in some much-needed early season revenue for the Shakers who desperately need an influx of cash after coming out of administration.

"I'm delighted with it," said Shakers boss Andy Preece.

"Obviously it's a home tie which gives us a chance of progressing but on the financial side Stoke have great away support and should bring a good number.

"Looking at the full draw there weren't too many better ties for us, we have to be over the moon with it."

The first team squad took on a Blackburn Rovers XI at Rovers' Brockhall training ground on Tuesday morning and fought out a 3-3 draw.

Jon Newby and Jamie Stuart put the Shakers two goals up inside the first ten minutes before Rovers roared back to go 3-2 in front.

Skipper Martyn Forrest saved the day with a late leveller.

"The match was a bit of a wake up call for us," said Preece.

"After winning our first two games 2-0 it shows we aren't there yet but we have two good weeks to make sure we are ready."

UniBond League neighbours Radcliffe Boro provide the opposition tomorrow at Stainton Park (3pm).

Preece will be without David Borley (hernia), Gareth Seddon (back) and Ian Lawson (ankle) for the now annual fixture against Boro.

"It's always a tough game against Radcliffe and we'll look forward to another stern test from them," he added.

"We've done alright in pre-season so far but still need to brush up on one or two things and that's what we'll do tomorrow."

The boss reports that Borley is well on his way to recovering from his hernia operation and is having to be held back such is his enthusiasm on the training pitch.

Lawson's ankle problem should be okay for the start of the season and it's Gareth Seddon's back trouble that is more of a cause for concern.

"It's a niggly injury that isn't showing up on an x-ray," said Preece.

"He felt it early after we came back, got through the first two weeks but got to a point when he was struggling.

"He's seen a specialist and is to spend next week in rehabilitaion at Lilleshall and hopefully that will clear it up.

"We will probably arrange another friendly game in the final week to give these injured lads a chance to get match fit.

"As for David Borley he is well ahead of schedule. It's usually a five week recovery job and he's only up to three weeks.

"He desperately wants to play in the Manchester City friendly but we can't allow him to try too hard and suffer a relapse."

Preece admits there is still time for some of his charges to make a late bid for a first team starting berth as he hasn't yet finalised his line-up for the opening day of the new campaign.

"It's tough at the minute. I am looking for people to push themselves through and it's still very wide open," he said.

"Of course I've got some ideas but there is plenty to play for and places are up for grabs."

Admission for tomorrow's match at Stainton Park is £6 adults; £4 senior citizens and £2 for juniors.

Boro hope to welcome back striker Neill Hardy for tomorrow's game following his return from Nationwide League Stockport County.

The Boro favourite has missed friendlies against Bolton Wanderers and Rochdale with an Achilles injury and flu virus.