IT may be unfortunate circumstances but Sam Collins has been handed the ideal chance to cement his place in Bury's first team.

Collins found himself the odd man out on Saturday against Peterborough when he was relegated to the substitutes bench and could only watch as manager Andy Preece opted for Chris and Danny Swailes and Steve Redmond at the back.

But a nasty thigh injury to Chris Swailes allowed Collins to come on as a half time replacement and the defender took full advantage, producing a solid defensive display and heading the winning goal.

With the news afterwards that Swailes is likely to be out for a month, Collins now has the perfect opportunity to permanently win his place back.

"I was gutted not to be picked on Saturday and the boss knows that," admitted the Yorkshire born centre half.

"I don't like being left out but the boss said he wanted to try something different. It was good to get on but it is never easy coming off the bench.

"I think I did okay and hopefully I can keep my place in the team."

Collins also explained the circumstances behind his headed goal - an event almost as rare as a Liberal Democrats post-war election victory.

The goal against Peterborough - a looping header from a Paul Reid corner - doubled his career tally!

"I just shut my eyes," joked Collins. "After I headed it I turned away so I didn't know where it was going or even if it was on target. Then I looked back and saw it looping over the keeper into the top corner.

"In fact I had another better chance after that which I should have scored but we won the match so I suppose it doesn't matter too much.

"The three points were massive for us. Hopefully we can build on this now and keep this form up."

Collins along with the rest of the Shakers squad will have to be at the top of their game this weekend.

An away trip to second placed Walsall will test their new-found confidence to the limit but one more win and boss Andy Preece reckons his team will be safe from relegation.