VICTORY - nothing more nothing less, that's what's required from the Shakers on Saturday if they are to beat the drop into Division Three.

Colchester United are the visitors to Gigg Lane in the final home match of a traumatic campaign and only three points will do.

Victory against the U's still might not be enough as the Shakers closest rivals Notts County, Northampton and Chesterfield are three, four and five points out of reach respectively.

But all three face difficult away games and Shakers boss Andy Preece is banking on his charges picking up a massive three points while hoping the other strugglers drop points.

"We're in a similar situation as we were after the Northampton game at Easter," explained Preece.

"We must put in a performance like we did against Brentford and close up the gap.

"All the three teams we are chasing have difficult games and finish their programmes at home next week.

"Sometimes the pressure is on you more in front of your own fans and provided we do the business against Colchester tomorrow I have no fear of going to Peterborough on the final day."

Rumours emanating from Essex suggest that Colchester manager Steve Whitton may field a number of their successful youth team as reward for a fine season.

But the Bury boss is taking that news with a pinch of salt and reckons even if that was the case did there's no saying that they'd be a soft touch.

"Teams do experiment with youngsters at the end of the season, but it would be one or two, not six or seven," he added.

"I honestly don't think it would make much difference if they did do that.

"Young players are hungry and can be more dangerous than senior players who may have had a hard season and be looking forward to a rest.

"Rather than weaken a team it sometimes gives a side that has nothing to play for a big lift."

There's better news on the personnel front for Preece with full back Jamie Stuart expected to be back in action after his nasty ankle injury picked up at Northampton.

Defender Steve Redmond (stomach strain) came through two reserve games this week while defender Sam Collins and midfielder Paul Reid are both back following suspensions.

Matt Barrass could also be in contention for a starting berth after putting in a fine display after leaving the substitutes bench down at Bristol last week.

Definitely missing are Gareth Seddon (back), Danny Swailes (suspension) and despite goals in both second string games this week Baichung Bhutia isn't quite up to first team action just yet.

"What we really need tomorrow is for our fans to get behind us from the first minute to the last," said Preece.

"It's a must win game and I urge them to make as much noise as possible. They have been different class for us in recent weeks and hopefully we'll reward them with a repeat of the Brentford performance so we can go into the final game with renewed hope."