NEWLY-installed Northwich Victoria boss Keith Alexander is keen to make a mark on the managerial side of the game after hanging up his boots -- and a victory over the Shakers would go a long way to help achieve it!

The 42-year-old former Lincoln City, Grimsby, Barnet and Stockport County striker knows a thing or two about giant killing acts since he began his career in the early 1980s.

Alexander was a real handful for opposition defences and is hoping his side will prove the same for Andy Preece's men tomorrow.

He saw off competition from former Cambridge United, Preston and Lincoln boss John Beck for the Drill Field hotseat as well as ex-Southport manager Paul Futcher.

It was his superb stewardship of Doctor Marten's Premier League outfit Ilkeston Town that caught the eye of the Northwich directors. After relegation he got them back into the top flight of their league and established them as a top side in a short space of time.

Last season they took the scalp of Carlisle United in the FA Cup and after kick-starting the Vics campaign over the past seven games Alexander is hoping he can make it a giant-killing double.

"Bury are a Second Division side and though we have no right to expect to win we won't be intimidated," he said.

"It's a good chance for our players to pit themselves against a strong side who are a lot different to what we face in the Conference.

"I'll be happy if we haven't disgraced ourselves. The last thing I want is to be beaten by three or four goals and lose all the confidence we have built up. We would have to start again and we don't want that.

Since Alexander took over from Mark Gardiner a few weeks ago, the Vics embarked on a six-game unbeaten run that saw them win five and draw one.

Only last Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Hyde United in the Cheshire Senior Cup has dented that proud run and that was due to a reserve side being turned out.

The Vics have a handful of players with Football League experience, the best known to Shakers' fans being former Manchester City youngster Ady Mike who spent a loan spell at Gigg Lane several years ago.

Mike is still only 26 and is partnered up front by one of the most sought after talents in the Conference in Gary Fletcher.

Fletcher is a 19-year-old with a big future and is currently fifth highest scorer in his league.

There is further experience in the squad in former Rochdale goalkeeper Lance Key, ex Stoke City midfielder Mark Devlin and central defender Steve Davies who has seen action with Burnley, Crewe, Barnsley, York and Oxford.

Alexander's plans have been hit by Lincoln City's refusal to let him play on-loan Anthony Henry, who has become a vital cog in midfield in the Vics revival.

"I'm disappointed they can't let him play," added Alexander. "But they've picked up a couple of injuries and I'm sure we would do the same in their situation."

The Vics are expected to bring about 1,000 fans to Gigg to provide a real cup-tie atmosphere to remember.