SHAKERS boss Andy Preece has urged his players to remain positive as they head into a crucial promotion duel with Lincoln City on Saturday.

With no goals and only two points from their last four outings, Bury have slipped dramatically down to 11th in the Division Three standings and are languishing five points adrift of the three automatic promotion spots, which they occupied a matter of weeks ago.

But Preece, buoyed by an impressive display in defeat to Rushden on Tuesday, claims his side will still earn a quick return to Division Two if they stick to their attacking style.

"We just have to keep believing and getting balls in the box. If we do that, we will score," he said.

"We have three up front and a really attacking midfield , so it's as positive as I can go. Until we have someone who can play wide on the left, I have to stick with this system.

"Some of our football was excellent on Tuesday. Our movement and passing was good. We just need to show a bit more desire in the box.

"There's no need for the players' heads to go down after that performance. They have to relax and enjoy playing for promotion instead of fighting against relegation, as we have done for the past few years.

"Against Rushden they were outstanding and they have to keep positive now and repeat that performance for the last nine games. If they do that we won't have too many problems."

Preece will give skipper Michael Nelson a late fitness test after the centre back hobbled from the field on Tuesday night.

His place might be filled by returning centre half Steve Redmond, ankle, while young striker Chris Porter, groin, and midfield mainstay Chris Billy, ankle, may also return to the line-up.