BURY travel to Lincoln City tonight looking for a victory that would catapult them into the play-off places for the first time this season.

Saturday's home win over Macclesfield Town - a third triumph in the space of eight days - moved Andy Preece's side up to ninth and another three points at Sincil Bank would blast the Shakers into the heart of the early promotion chase.

But the Bury manager is expecting a tough test as the Imps currently sit four positions above the Shakers in fifth place.

Manager Keith Alexander has put together a strong, well organised side that combines promising youth players and some non-league talent that caught his eye while he was manager at Vauxhall Conference side Northwich Victoria.

"Lincoln have done very well this season and it's a credit to them and their manager that they have picked up some great results," said Preece.

Bury will definitely be missing Lenny Johnrose tonight. The on loan midfielder came on for 20 minutes at the end of Saturday's victory but tweaked his hamstring in the dying seconds of the game.

Johnrose may be fit for Saturday's trip to Leyton Orient but Preece reckons he will be only 50-50.

"It's a bit of a blow to lose Lenny. He was going to play a big part over the next month or so," said Preece.