LEAGUE 2 ACTION

Bury boss Alan Knill could welcome back leading scorer Andy Bishop for the home clash with Shrewsbury. The 16-goal striker has missed the last two games with a knee problem, but he has returned to training this week and may be recalled by Knill.

Midfielder Stephen Dawson is available to play his final game before starting a two-game ban, while Paul Scott has made good progress following a knee injury, but is still a week away from full fitness.

Ben Futcher has played in the centre of defence for the last three games and is again set to partner Efe Sodje, with Ryan Cresswell having to settle for a place on the bench following his recent suspension.

The Shakers go into the game on a seven-match unbeaten run - five of them draws - and that sequence has kept them firmly in the mix for an automatic promotion spot.

Shrewsbury boss Paul Simpson (pic) has no new injury or suspension problems to contend with ahead of the trip to Gigg Lane.

Midfielder Kevin McIntyre enjoyed his first action since January in midweek, making a goalscoring contribution to Town's 5-0 reserve-team victory over Lincoln.

However, after coming on at half-time to ease into his rehabilitation following a double fracture of his right fibula, he is unlikely to be risked at first-team level so soon.

Defender Mike Jackson is about a week away from returning from his knee injury while goalkeeper Glyn Garner also remains sidelined with a knee problem.

Play-off chasing Shrews go into the encounter searching for what would unbelievably only be their second away win of the season.

On the book, the game looks hard to call, but we can't see Bury losing. Shewsbury are probably shorter than their away form merits and Bury can eek out a narrow win. Only two of their last eight games have seen 3 or more goals and a 1-0 home win is favourite for us. Bury seem capable of keeping a lead.

Elsewhere, Torquay travel to high flying Rotherham and we can't see beyond a home win here.

Published 18-02-2010

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