ANDY PREECE is facing a frustrating few months . . . and he couldn't be happier.

His first-choice strike force of Adrian Littlejohn and Bhaichung Bhutia are playing so well that other strikers at the club - Paul Barnes, Dean Crowe and Preece himself - could be set for a long wait as they kick their heels on the substitutes' bench.

Littlejohn has scored twice, Bhutia once and Bury are flying high in Division Two and so at the moment, after Bank Holiday weekend wins against Rotherham and Northampton, Preece has no reason to change things.

"Barnsey, Crowey and I want to be in the team but Bhaichung and Ady have done excellently and it is up to them to carry it on," said the Bury boss.

"There are still things that Bhaichung needs to get better at but he is willing to learn and he will get better.

"People might have thought that he and Ady couldn't play together up front but with the right attitude you can do anything and they have proved that.

"If we are organised defensively we have got the strikers to score the goals."

But it isn't just the front men who are hitting the back of the net.

Midfielder Darren Bullock has scored twice, following up his 20-yarder against Crewe in the Worthington Cup with a vital tap-in to win Monday's game at Gigg.

It is a remarkable comeback for Bully who was set to leave the club at the end of last season after a loan period with ambitious non-league club Rushden and Diamonds.

That didn't work out but - somewhat unexpectedly - what was their loss appears to be Preece's gain.

"It is a bonus that Darren Bullock is scoring goals, and it's maybe something our other midfielders like Nick Daws and Chris Billy should be doing more," said Preece.

"Darren Bullock needs to look after himself on and off the field. I had a chat with him before the season and he has promised to get his head down and work hard. There is no doubting his ability."

Preece was delighted with the Shakers' six point Bank Holiday haul, which lifted them to the dizzy heights of joint top.

And he was also pleased at some disparaging remarks made by Northampton boss Kevin Wilson, who said Bury didn't play well, it was just that his team played badly.

Preece added: "I don't think Kevin was being critical of us but if he says it is their worst performance in four years that is fine because it must mean we are the best team they have played in four years.

"I hope every manager that comes here this season says that, for we have had a great start. and have nine points from 12 and we now need to make sure we carry it on.

"Four games doesn't make a season. We had a great start in Division One when we were flying high after a few games and look what happened there," he added.