BURY aim to pick up their first double of the campaign tomorrow when Tranmere Rovers are the visitors to Gigg Lane (kick-off 3pm).

Goals from Jon Newby and Paul Reid gave the Shakers a 2-1 opening day victory at Prenton Park that shocked the pundits.

But that win heralded a miserable run of nine consecutive defeats that left the club firmly rooted to the bottom of the Second Division table.

Things are a lot more healthy on the field since those dark days and Andy Preece's men will be geared up to prove that win on Merseyside was no fluke.

The midfield places remains a problem for the boss with Chris Billy missing after bowing out of Tuesday night's Huddersfield game with a stomach strain in the first ten minutes.

David Borley, who also limped off on Tuesday with a groin problem, has a chance of being selected but is rated only 50-50.

"The midfield positions have caused us one or two problems over the last couple of games," said Preece.

"We really could do with bringing a fresh face in to cover, especially until Paul Reid and Martyn Forrest get back.

"But, as everyone knows, the club just can't afford it.

"It's frustrating when you see other clubs such as Chesterfield strengthening their squads but we know the situation here and just have to get on with it."

The Huddersfield game was Preece's 100th in charge since taking over from Neil Warnock in December 1999.

And he'd love to celebrate that milestone with three vital points tomorrow.

"Tranmere will be another tough test for us and have be doing well away from home," he added. "They have had some good results and have pushed themselves up the league but we've already proved we can beat them once this season."

However, the boss will be looking for an improvement on Tuesday's display when his charges only seemed to kick into gear after the half time break. "We were below par in the first half against Huddersfield and really ought to have beaten them" he said.

"I feel we need to give a bit more and be braver at times. Sometimes we have a tendency to pass the buck and we can't afford that at this stage of the season.

"Tomorrow's match is a key game for us, three points would draw us back into the pack and drag a few more clubs into trouble."

Some useful first team performances from George Clegg have seen him rewarded with a contract to the end of the season.

The former Manchester United youngster has shone in recent weeks and Preece has been delighted with his attitude.

"George didn't do himself justice when he was on trial for three months at the start of the season," he said.

"But putting him on a month to month deal has given him a kick up the backside and he has responded well.

"He needs to kick on again and earn an extension at the end of the season.

"He's a bright player and will work his socks off for you, just the kind of lad we want at the club.

"If he knuckles down I'm sure he can still have a big future in the game."

The reserves drew 1-1 at York City on Wednesday evening with Ian Lawson grabbing a late equaliser.

In the starting line-up was Gary Sampson, a young midfield trialist from Manchester United.

American trialist Beckett Hollenbach also turned out, but will not be offered a contract despite doing well.

"I'd like to keep him here to the end of the season, but he just hasn't done enough to earn a contract with the financial situation at the club," said Preece.

"We really need someone who could step straight into the first team and Beckett is just short of that at the moment."