IT'S an old footballing cliche to call a match a six-pointer but that's just what Bury's relegation clash is on Saturday against Swindon Town.

Andy Preece has told his team defeat is not an option as they battle furiously to move away from the drop zone.

"We've put ourselves in this position so it's up to us to get ourselves out and tomorrow is a game we cannot afford to lose," said the Bury boss.

"The way we're going a point would be a decent result tomorrow but deep down I would not be happy with that. I want a win and that's what we will be going for."

And Preece could throw either himself or Ady Littlejohn back into the team after both bagged goals in the midweek 3-1 reserves win against Halifax - a game in which trialist Michael Norton played the full 90 minutes and did well.

"It's given myself and Ady a bit of confidence but having said that a lot of our strikers have scored goals for the reserves. The frustrating thing has been that we can't seem to transfer that form to the first team," added Preece.

"Myself and Billy (Ayres) will have a long discussion about who we will play up front but we won't be making a decision until the last moment. There's even a chance that we may get a loan striker in before the weekend so I can't rule out a new face either." The Shakers have been busy again hunting for new players to bring in and add that extra spark to the squad.

Preece watched Liverpool reserves take on Aston Villa on Monday in the hope of signing one of the Merseysiders strikers on loan - thought to be John Newby - but injuries to first teamers Michael Owen and Emile Heskey thwarted that deal.

Bury are also about to snap up two promising youngsters from Bishop Auckland. Under Football league guidelines they have lodged seven day notices of approach with the North East club and will hope to get their men next week.

They are both said to be long-term prospects, not yet ready for first team action.

But forget what might happen. All eyes are on tomorrow's vital clash and if it's one that Bury need to win, the same and then some can be said for Swindon.

They are third from bottom, six points adrift of the Shakers and - like Preece - their manager Andy King has ordered his team to get the points.

Swindon have lost four league games on the trot and haven't even scored a goal since Boxing Day, when they lost 3-2 at home to Brentford.

Dangermen are top scorer Danny Invincible and experienced midfielder Ian Woan. Stoke City striker Kyle Lightbourne, at Swindon on a month's loan, is also expected to start.

Long term casualty Matt Barrass aside, Bury are injury free though midfielders Paul Reid and Darren Bullock are suspended.