SHAKERS' preparations for the crucial promotion clash with Southend have been thrown into disarray by injury to key striker David Nugent.

The teen ace has become a mainstay of the three-pronged Bury front line, alongside Jon Newby and Colin Cramb, during an impressive spell which has seen them lose only once in seven outings.

But manager Andy Preece will be forced to make changes for the trip to the south coast tomorrow after Nugent picked up a knock to his ankle in Monday's draw with Scunthorpe.

With reserve forwards Ian Lawson and Chris Porter also struggling with injuries, that could pave the way for fellow youngster Simon Whaley to make a first team return.

Midfield ace George Clegg could also be pushed forward in the hunt for goals which could secure a play-off berth.

Either way, losing such a key player at this vital stage of the campaign has significantly added to Preece's burden.

"It's a huge blow for me because we have managed to keep the same system for the past few weeks and it has worked really well," he said.

"He has been part of a really effective strike force, which I wanted to keep the same. His combination with Jon Newby has been fantastic. Now we haven't got a ready-made replacement."

Bury's recent purple patch has finally answered Preece's season-long call for consistency and could be in time to stop a promising campaign from falling into oblivion.

The margin of error is extremely slim, of course, with a defeat tomorrow likely to make them rank outsiders for a top seven finish.

But Preece remains confident that his side can squeeze into the play-off reckoning.

"We're finally getting some consistency into our game and it couldn't have come at a better time," he said.

"It's a nervous and exciting time and the league is as tight as ever. The most important thing is that our destiny is in our own hands now.

"We know that two wins will guarantee us a place in the play-offs but maybe only one point might be enough. If we lose both our last two games, I don't think we'll make it."