Home win is the only cure - Bury Times - Friday, 24 November 1995:
THERE is only one prescription that will finally cure Bury's current home sickness and that's a thumping good win. The Shakers have climbed their way into ninth spot in the table on the back of the division's most outstanding away record but the ultimate fate of their promotion challenge will stand or fall on what they achieve at Gigg Lane. It has been a strange season not only for Bury, but for many other clubs who are Finding it difficult to win on their own patch. The Shakers with the lowest goals total at home and the highest on their travels are the most extreme example but eight sides in the section boast a better away record than they do at home and ten teams have scored more times on the road than they have on their own turf. Indeed, more than 40% of all Third Division wins have so far found their way into the away column. At this stage last season 108 games had been drawn or won by the away side this time around the figure is 125. It all points to visiting teams being better prepared than ever and tomorrow's opponents at Gigg Lane, Exeter City. are no different. They have lost only twice in their travels this season and will employ a tried and trusted sweeper system tomorrow.They have, however, added some pace to their line up this week with the signing of Leon Braithwaite, brother of British sprinter Darren and a sub 10.7 second 100 metre runner himself.Bury, meanwhile, will have to wait on fitness tests for Ryan Cross and Trevor Matthewson before naming their side. Both missed last Saturday's victory at Cardiff when their replacements Dean West and Michael Jackson were two of the star turns. "Both of the defenders who came into the side played well and will be hoping to hold onto the shirts," conceded boss Stan Ternent. "We preach patience to those not in the side but when they get a chance to cement their place in the starting line up we expect them to take it. Neither Jackson nor West did themselves any harm at Cardiff. "I'll have to have a look at the injury situation this morning before I finalise the team." Mark Carter signalled his full recovery from a hamstring injury with a goal in the Reserves' 4-2 win over Wrexham on Wednesday night. One player who will not be figuring in future plans is Jimmy Mulligan who has had his contract terminated by mutual consent. He played just eleven times in more than twelve injury ravaged months following his £15,000 move from Stoke City in May 1994.