TWO of the Shakers' highly rated young players have left the club by mutual consent writes Phil Thorp

Midfielder David Borley and left back Gary Evans have had their contracts terminated despite both having another 12 months to run.

The decision to release Borley - who celebrated his 20th birthday yesterday - is particularly disappointing but there's no doubt the gifted Geordie failed to progress after bursting onto the first team scene 18 months ago.

A number of niggling injuries and a homesickness problem dogged Borley since then and there has long been a big questionmark about whether he has the commitment to make a career in the game.

Meanwhile Evans is the first to admit that he doesn't feel he has enough desire to make it as a professional player.

The Doncaster-born 19-year-old, who made his first team debut at Peterborough on the final Saturday of last season, admitted as much to manager Andy Preece and has opted instead for a career as a company representative.

"It was a strange situation with Gary and came out of the blue, we didn't realise he felt that way," explained Preece.

"He left a week or two ago but felt he couldn't live with the commitment it took to be a professional player.

"It can't have been easy for him and it's a brave thing to walk away with 12 months left on your contract.

"David's departure is part of a cost-cutting move that we are having to start looking at.

"He hasn't come along as we had hoped and hasn't been involved with the first team at all this season.

"If he gets everything right there's no reason why he can't come back into the game.

Suit

"They are deals that suit both parties and financially it will help the club and help me when I am looking towards next season."

But firstly, the Shakers chief's gaze will be firmly on this campaign and the final four matches that will decide whether his side make it into the Third Division promotion play-offs or not.

Another disappointing home result on Saturday - a 1-1 draw against struggling Carlisle - again let them down badly and they are now six points adrift of Wrexham in the third automatic promotion place, and the Welshmen have a game in hand.

They also visit Gigg Lane on the final match of the season a game which could be make or break for Preece's Jekyll and Hyde outfit.

"At this stage of the season it's results rather than performances that matter," added Preece.

"It's such a nerve-wracking division and it's still wide open.

"But we can't be disappointed with our position at present.

"We could easily have been scrapping for points at the bottom of the table with Carlisle. If we make the play-offs it will be a massive achievement and that's what we are going to try and do."

The Easter holiday period is renowned for sorting out relegation and promotion issues but in the Third Division it's difficult to see anything being cut and dried until that final match.

Bury travel to Rochdale on Friday then follow up with an Easter Monday home clash against fellow promotion candidates Scunthorpe United.

They haven't won back-to-back league games all season and such a double this weekend would be timely in the extreme.