IT'S been a real rollercoaster start to the season for the Shakers but for manager Andy Preece it's come as no surprise.

The Bury boss has been as disappointed as anyone with his team's inconsistent start to the campaign, but reckons given the squad size and personnel changes it's understandable they aren't blazing a trail at the top of the league.

Injuries too, haven't helped the situation with key players either missing or waiting to to reach 100 per cent fitness.

This week, after a run of three wins from four games, two home points were dropped against Cheltenham Town on Saturday followed by a disappointing 5-3 defeat at Mansfield Town on Tuesday evening.

But Preece was well aware it wouldn't be plain sailing this time around.

"We knew at the start of the season that it wasn't going to be easy," he explained.

"We have to be realistic, we were always going to be up and down results-wise and it's about finding a level of consistency and the right blend.

"Four or five players who were on the substitutes bench last season are now starting games, and that shows a big difference to our strength in depth.

"We are asking players to be at their best every single game if we are to do reach the play-offs as we did last year.

"But it's not all doom and gloom. We are still in a half-decent position in mid-table and are probably where we deserve to be at present."

And Preece isn't exactly expecting a tea party when the team travel to Boston United tomorrow.

While the Bury manager is justifiably owed a performance after the Mansfield game he reckons the Pilgrims will be also be smarting from their first home defeat of the season a night later.

A 2-1 reverse at the hands of Cambridge United, leaves the Pilgrims in 22nd position in the Third Division table and one of the early relegation candidates, nevertheless they are no mugs on their own patch.

Last season the Shakers looked like picking up all three points from York Street until a stoppage time equaliser denied them.

"We found out last year that they battle to the end," said Preece.

"We know it won't be easy, it's a little tight ground and we will have to roll up our sleeves and work."

The Shakers will certainly need to be more committed than they were on Tuesday when they fell by the wayside after taking a 1-0 lead.

"It was disappointing to score three goals and not get anything from it," added Preece.

"We are a bit hell for leather at times and leave ourselves exposed.

"I thought individually and collectively we didn't defend well and that needs sorting out.

"Once we got the first goal there was so much to hang onto but we didn't react to it.

"The gameplan was there, we got a goal in front and were set up to frustrate them but we just didn't do it, in fact we gave them chance after chance."

Nevertheless, one plus was the form of Gareth Seddon who came off the bench to again put in a fine display, grabbing a goal.

Preece admitted that the striker would have started at Field Mill but for a change in formation and it looks certain he will get his first start at Boston tomorrow.

Meanwhile, midfielder Terry Dunfield got in his first 90 minutes action during a friendly clash against Oldham Athletic in midweek.

Striker Chris Porter also played a full game while Joe O'Neil scored for the Shakers in a 5-1 defeat.