BURY boss Andy Preece believes the trouble torn Shakers' off-field survival problems are not affecting his players one bit - and that is a good sign for the on-field relegation battle.

On an emotional day at Gigg Lane his team battled back from a goal down to pick up a crucial win against AFC Bournemouth.

And the Shakers chief is delighted that the strong minded attitude of his squad is paying dividends on the pitch.

"Nothing seems to faze the lads," he declared. "They are a funny bunch! I don't think a lot affects them. Even when we lost 11 matches on the bounce and were bottom of the league I don't think they ever lost their confidence or even thought about where they were in the table.

"It's the same now, no-one has been in to see me and asked about what is happening but we have explained the situation to them and they are just getting on with the job. That's the good thing about having a lot of young lads in the side, it just seems to go over their heads and they are more concerned in going out and playing their football."

The Shakers' resilience will be put to the test over the next few days as they now face three tough matches against clubs with promotion aspirations.

They travel to Stoke City tomorrow night, go to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday then - if next Monday's court case goes their way - entertain local rivals Oldham Athletic on Tuesday, March 5.