THE Conservatives might have tried it first but the Shakers "Back to Basics" campaign is working a treat.

Boss Andy Preece has come up with the idea in a bid to shore up a leaky defence and start winning matches again.

And so far it seems to be working.

In the last three matches Bury have conceded just two goals and have beaten Swindon 1-0 to register their first league win since the start of October.

The turnaround coincides with the arrival of new first team coach Billy Ayre whose job is to take some of the pressure off player-manager Andy Preece.

Defender Sam Collins, who along with Steve Redmond and Chris Swailes has been in terrific form at the heart of the back five, revealed the Bury blueprint.

"Billy Ayres and the boss have been encouraging us to defend properly and we are trying to get back to basics," said Collins, man of the match in Saturday's no score draw with high-flying Rotherham.

"We've defended well since he's been here and we need to keep on the same, making sure we don't give away goals.

"We've got Cambridge coming up on Saturday and we did well when we went down there (a 1-0 win on the opening day of the season) so hopefully we can do it again."

Meanwhile the Shakers have extended young striker Andy Smith's loan deal by a month. Smith, 20, played against Bristol City and Oldham but has been on the sub's bench since suffering concussion during the Latics derby.

He gives Andy Preece an extra option up front though Sheffield United, managed by former Bury boss Neil Warnock, have a right to recall the forward at any time.

One Shaker on his way out seems to be defender Dean Barrick. A free transfer to Doncaster is on the cards for the brave left-back as Bury attempt to reduce their wage bill.

Shakers reserves play Doncaster Rovers in a reserve match today. The game may be switched from Gigg Lane to Radcliffe Boro's Stainton Park depending on the state of Bury's pitch.