IMPRESSIVE performances against West Bromwich Albion and Plymouth Argyle have brought confidence surging back into the Gigg Lane camp and two points tomorrow against Oxford United, to make it three wins in a row, will go a long way towards confirming that Bury are by no means out of the promotion race.

That the Shakers' players have responded to new manager Bob Stokoe there is nom doubt and that in itself has made an impression on the amicable Geordie.

"I want a positive approach from them and I am getting it," said Stokoe. "It's a good starting point and we can build from there," he said as he prepared for what will be Bury's final game before the busy Christmas period.

From the Bury Times of Wednesday December 10, 1952

DEFENSIVE mistakes and the concession of two late goals by Bury produced a decision at Trent Bridge on Saturday which was only remotely related to the play of the teams.

I thought Notts Forest just about deserved to win. Bury officials held a different view. This indicates there was little to choose between the teams, yet there was always more threat in the work of the home attack and it was this feature which turned the issue, and, I think, deservedly in favour of the Forest.

Yet the result, a 4-1 defeat for Bury, could have been different if, during their lengthy spell of superiority in the second half, Bury had been able to get the needed goals.

One cannot forget the mistakes which cost two goals, but for me the persisting affliction of a lack of scoring power at inside forward was the Shakers biggest handicap.