BURY'S Matt Barrass is determined to keep his place in the wake of skipper Dave Challinor's absence.

The versatile defender, who is on a short term contract after a series of troublsome knee injuries, was a shining light in Saturday's 1-0 home victory over Notts County.

And the Bury-born player is hoping upon hope a regular run in the side could see him pin down a regular slot in Graham Barrow's team and secure him an improved contract.

"Hopefully I've taken my chance and can now stay in the team," he said.

"It was pleasing for us to keep a clean sheet after the defence was shuffled following Dave's injury and hopefully we can kick on from here.

"Danny Swailes and Colin Woodthorpe both did well and helped make my job easier.

"It wasn't the prettiest game but we've had matches in which we've battered teams and still not won so to pick up three points on Saturday was great.

"We needed to stay 'switched on' when they went down to ten men and they made us work hard for it."

Barrass was picked ahead of Paul Scott for the central defensive role but according to Barrow the decision was a close run thing.

"Matt did a great job for us and one last gasp tackle on Glynn Hurst really saved the day," he said.

"If Paul had come in we'd have had to make three positional changes in defence and we didn't want to do that.

"Notts had a bit of mobility about them and Matt has played in that position before and done well."

Barrass, whose grandfather former Bolton Wanderers player Malcolm Barrass, is philosophical about the club's decision to keep him on three month contracts.

"They hold that card and I really can't argue at the minute," said the 24-year-old.

"I haven't been playing regularly in the team so far this season and that's got to be my aim, hopefully I'll earn one.

"With 'Chally' out of the team I have a chance to stake my claim and that's what I want to do."

Challinor's absence has given senior professional Colin Woodthorpe the chance to wear the captain's armband and he too was impressed by Barrass's display.

"Matty's an intelligent player who reads the game well and leaves Danny (Swailes) and myself to get on with our games," he said.

"Saturday's result keeps us in with the pack and it was just reward for a hardworking performance.

"We've got a name for ourselves as a half decent team and the opposition are starting to sit back when the come to Gigg Lane so it's up to us to break them down.

"The coaching staff asked for a hard working performance and that's just what they got."

The victory leaves the Shakers lying handily in tenth place in the Coca Cola League Two table only two points from a play-off place and six from an automatic promotion spot.

Their credentials will be further tested at the weekend when they travel to to take on second-placed Swansea City in what is likely to be Bury's final appearance at the Vetch Field prior to the Swans moving to their new White Rock Stadium.