BURY'S second string enjoyed a superb week with two wins in the space of three days.

On Monday afternoon at Radcliffe Boro's Stainton Park they crushed Shrewsbury Town 4-0 in a re-arranged Avon Assurance League Division One clash.

Lee Connell led the way for the young Shakers with two goals while Gareth Seddon grabbed one and returning Indian international Baichung Bhutia also chipped in with a spectacular strike.

On Wednesday the reserves made the trip to Grimsby Town and came from behind to register a 3-2 triumph.

Two goals from midfielder Matt Murphy and a fine individual effort from second half substitute Wael Nazha did for the Mariners.

It's been an impressive season for the newly promoted reserves who have often been forced to field youth team players due to the crippling injury situation at the club.

"We are only seven points behind the leaders in our division with four games in hand," explained boss Andy Preece.

"If we hadn't struggled with injuries there's no doubt we could have won the league and won a second successive promotion.

"We have a lot of matches to get in and it'll be a tall order but we'll be giving it a go."

Nazha, a former Lebanese international striker, has been plying his trade in the non-league with Bradford Park Avenue and Ossett Town before trying his luck with the Shakers.

He boasts more than 20 goals for his country during an international career that ran from 1993 to 1998.

Originally with Beirut side Nejmeh, the biggest team in the Lebanon, he first played in Europe for AO Kavala in the Greek First Division before moving to Britain in 2000 and signing for UniBond League Emley.

During his career he has also had trials with Inter Milan and Swiss side Lugano as well as QPR and Partick Thistle.

"Naz was recommended to us by Peter Swan and has been here about two weeks now," added Preece.

"He's done well and we'll continue to look at him."

Long term injury victims Baichung Bhutia and Matt Barrass both played parts in both reserve matches this week.

The Indian international skipper could force his way into the first team reckoning for the crucial Northampton game a week today while Barrass is expected to take a little longer to get into contention.

Chris Billy also got in some vital match practise and he too could be fit for the trip to Sixfields.