We must do better urges Walsh - Bury Times - Fri, 01 September 1995:
THE Pilgrims have failed to make any progress, the Shakers are not rattling, the Cobblers have been nailing their losers' reputation and the Gills have produced no half measures-funny old game football. A quick glance at the Third Division table this morning is like a trip into topsy-turvy land with the pre-season favourites languishing off the pace and needing to improve. No one is feeling the heat more than tomorrow's opponents Plymouth Argyle who were made the hottest ticket in town by the bookies and have rewarded their backers by losing all six matches so far this season. Life has been nothing like as calamitous at Gigg Lane where five points have meant an average start from some below average league performances. Manager Mike Walsh expects things to improve tomorrow. "We have got to do better than that." he asserted after Tuesday's goalless draw with Preston. "We haven't reached anywhere near our best. We are still looking for our top form. I am not knocking the effort but the cohesion is only coming in fits and starts. "We have shown both on Tuesday and at Hereford last Saturday that we possess all the right battling qualities and resilience, now we must tighten up as a team and stop affording opposition sides so many chances." "Although Plymouth have had a bad start both Kevin Ratcliffe (manager at Chester) and Gary Peters (Preston's boss) reckon they are the best side they've faced this season. We'll need to be at our best if we are to win." Argyle include former Bury skipper Ronnie Mauge in their line up and that should mean a fascinating midfield clash with Shakers' new boy Shaun Reid who returns to the side after serving a one-match ban. Who makes way depends on a late fitness test for Nick Daws who suffered a calf strain on Tuesday and had to leave the game at half time. Jimmy Mulligan is also doubtful and that means a call for summer signing David Johnson. The former Manchester United starlet scored twice for the reserves at Walsall on Wednesday night and after missing four games through suspension could find himself on the bench. Phil Stant and Mark Carter will be the starting strikers. Lee Bracey. who had a trial with Plymouth in the closed season. is likely to keep his place in goal. Gary Kelly came through the midweek trip to Walsall - he kept a clean sheet in a 3-0 win- but still needs to rest his troublesome knee.