SHAKERS boss Andy Preece is under no illusions as to how important tomorrow's Axa-sponsored FA Cup game is to Bury FC.

Preece knows full well that tomorrow's home clash against Nationwide Conference outfit Northwich Victoria is a colossal game for the club bearing in mind the parlous financial state at Gigg Lane.

Failure to progress to the third round, and a money-spinning glamour tie, could have serious consequences for the Shakers as the financial storm clouds gather and the ownership situation is not yet resolved.

"It's a massive game for us and we'll be making sure that we don't slip up," he said. "When you enter at this stage you always look to reach the third round.

"It's just a case of winning two games and it's even more important to us this season the way things are down here.

"All the lads know it will be a difficult game tomorrow but we are a Second Division side playing a Conference team and should be expected to win, but it often isn't as easy as that."

Bury fans will be well aware what banana skins these ties can be and fresh in their minds are one or two they won't care to remember.

Five years ago, in one of Stan Ternent's first games in control, UniBond League side Blyth Spartans visited Gigg and caused an upset with a 2-0 victory.

Twelve months earlier a 0-0 draw in front of the Match of the Day cameras at Bishop Auckland earned Bury a home replay at Gigg but it took extra time and penalties before the Shakers progressed to the second round. And who could forget last seasons epic two match battle against Tamworth that was only decided in extra time.

"You'd have though that once we'd drawn at Tamworth we'd have been in for a comfortable ride at home but it turned out to be even harder," explained Preece.

"You have to match these teams for effort and commitment and hopefully your extra quality will show through.

"But non-league players always raise their games for matches like this and they'll have players who have a point to prove."

It was in just such a game that the Bury boss made the step up into the Football League.

As a young striker with Worcester City he excelled so much in a Welsh Cup tie against Wrexham that Bryan Flynn invited him to the Racecourse for a trial.

"Non-league lads will always try and catch the eye of a league manager," he added.

Apart from injured defenders Matt Barrass and Stevie Halford, Preece has a clean bill of health.

He adds to the squad influential midfielder Darren Bullock whose tenacity and eye for a goal have been sorely missed over the past few weeks.

Bullock played eighty minutes in the reserves 4-2 victory over Notts County on Wednesday.

On target were French trialist Freddy Cadiou (2), Jason Jarrett and Paul O'Shaughnessy.

Cadiou is a 30-year-old striker who has been plying his trade with French Second Division club Wasquehal.

"I've only seen him train once and saw him in the reserves and he looks promising," said Preece.

"He's about 5 foot 11, puts himself about and has an eye for goal - we'll have a good look at him."

THERE are a limited number of tickets for tomorrow evening's fundraising dinner in aid of Bury Football Club.

Bury FC's Social Club is the venue and the entertainment will be provided by Buzz Hawkins and the Bradshaws and tickets are priced £25.

For further information or to book contact steward Ian Fitzsimmons on 0161-764 6771.