BURY boss Andy Preece had admitted that striker Jon Newby is suffering from a confidence crisis.

But he backed his star man to pull through and get back on the scoring trail.

Newby has not scored in the league since the opening day victory at Tranmere Rovers at the start of August.

He notched a goal in the LDV Vans Trophy first round tie at Hartlepool but - those two strikes aside - has had a nightmare in front of goal.

But, as Preece ackmowledges, the former Liverpool reserve is still playing well and has provided goals for others.

"He is just having one of those spells that every striker has," said the Bury boss. "You get in front of goal and everything clams up for you. Jon needs a bit of luck to get him going.

"But we have to remember that he creates the majority of our goals. He won the free kick to get the first goal on Sunday against Northampton and all three goals against Cardiff last week were his assists.

"Obviously his lack of goals is a concern for him but as long as he is contributing and still doing a job for us then it is not a problem to me.

"I've had it myself, and it can go on for ages without a goal and then suddenly it you can get a little run. He just needs that two yard tap in or a deflection to get it going again."

Newby had a sensational impact at Gigg Lane when he arrived on loan in February, scoring five goals in 10 games.

He could do with getting his scoring boots back on in time for Saturday's first round FA Cup clash at Lincoln. Newby will lead the line with either Gareth Seddon or Ian Lawson, and with the club desperate for money a good cup run is vital.