Unsworth back in frame for Oxford test

The U's are the only team in the basement section unbeaten on their own midden this season, and currently lie in the coveted third automatic promotion place.

They comprehensively defeated the Shakers 4-0 at Gigg Lane back in October, although this time around Graham Barrow's men ought to be better equipped to counter their physical approach.

The phrase 'little lads against men' sprung to mind at the end of that encounter and according to Barrow the current Bury team should have enough muscle to hold their own against Ian Atkins' side.

"This will be an interesting test to see how far we have progressed," said Barrow.

"There are better teams than Oxford in Division Three but Ian Atkins always thinks in terms of what you need to get out of the division and they'll be very strong.

"Maybe it's not the style you'd want to see every week but they do play more football than people give them credit for."

Barrow welcomes back Colin Woodthorpe after his two match suspension, but the experienced defender's inclusion is tempered by the absence of youngster Jon Cartledge.

The manager hadn't ruled out playing both Woodthorpe and Cartledge to counter Oxford's up-and-at-'em style, but a dose of mumps, diagnosed on Sunday morning, has put paid to Cartledge's involvement.

An even bigger worry is the fact that Cartledge lodges with goalkeeper Glyn Garner and Barrow is desperately hoping his custodian - or anyone else in the squad - doesn't come down with the glandular problem.

"You want everyone fit and available for games like this and even if we'd have brought Colin back and Jon had been available there may have been a case of playing them both.

"Oxford are so big, strong and physical we could have used Jon's presence.

"He did particularly well in the air over the past two games."

Under medical advice, Cartledge has been banished from the club for 10 days in a bid to halt any ill-timed minor epidemic.

But on a plus note, defender Lee Unsworth will be back in contention after playing 60 minutes in the reserves' 2-0 home victory over Shrewsbury Town on Wednesday afternoon.

Physiotherapist Lee Nobes will monitor whether the versatile Unsworth suffers any reaction to his hernia operation, but he will be given every chance to prove his fitness.

On target for the second string, against a strong Shrews' team that included former Shaker Colin Cramb and ex-Radcliffe Boro striker Jody Banim, were 'forgotten men' Dave Nugent and George Clegg.

Barrow was pleased with the performance of both goalscorers and reckoned the Shakers did well to dominate the game until the final few minutes.

However the manager has been less than delighted with the reaction of supporters to last weekend's victory over Cambridge.

While admitting the game wasn't a classic he pointed to the improvements made following the disastrous eight game losing run that made December a disaster month.

"I know it wasn't great but it wasn't as bad at the Lincoln City game which was the pits!" He declared.

"It was only the first few minutes of the second half that was unacceptable and apart from one good save from Glyn (Garner) they never looked likely to score.

"Those two goals from the Carlisle game, a 25-yarder and a deflected own goal, are the only ones we've conceded in five games.

"Sorting out the defence had to be a priority for us after the number of goals we were conceding.

"It's no use getting applauded off the pitch and getting beat 4-3."

And he also called for supporters to give a break to new signing Dave Flitcroft, who was the victim of the Gigg Lane boo-boys during last week's game.

"Dave will be a good player for us and we need supporters to get behind the lad," he said.

"We only have two loan deals left and one of those we have to hold back because of the goalkeeping situation.

"It's not as though we can go out and sign just anybody, we have very few options, but Dave was a free agent and paid up by his club and I know what he is capable of doing for us."