THE trip to Bootham Crescent will prove something of a sentimental venture for three of the Bury squad for former City players Rob Matthews, Dean Kiely and Adrian Randall are all expected to be on the team coach.

Matthews was the first of the trio to arrive at Gigg Lane following a £100,000 move just over twelve months ago. He was followed on the eve of the current season by goalkeeper Kiely whose fee was finally settled at £125,000 plus 20% of the profit from any subsequent transfer, the decision coming after protracted deliberations by an FA Tribunal and a walk-out by York officials.

Midfielder Randall signed for the Shakers shortly before Christmas for another £100,000, but with add-on clauses the figure could reach £140,000.

All three players, at various stages, have expressed surprise at being targeted by the Shakers and agree the potential is there for a second successive promotion campaign.

There is no doubt that Bury's Gigg Lane form gives rise for great confidence, but on their travels the Shakers have been less than convincing.

They need to look back to October 12 for their last three-pointer on opposition soil - they defeated Peterborough 2-1 at London Road - and since then there have been defeats at Millwall, Bristol Rovers and Burnley and drawn games at Wrexham, Bournemouth, Gillingham and Rotherham.

With only three competitive games in the last six weeks it would need an extra-large crystal ball to predict how the Shakers will approach the game but with only skipper David Pugh missing through injury manager Stan Ternent faces the sort of selection headache which he appreciates.

Bury Reserves entertained Scunthorpe United on Wednesday night. They won 1-0 courtesy of an Adrian Randall goal.

Bury FC are looking for lodgings in the Bury area for their YTS players. Anyone interested please contact Walter Joyce, the Youth Team Development Officer, on (0161) 764 4881.

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