SHAKERS enter their most important clash of the season on Saturday with their manager's best laid plans in tatters.

After three games without a win, Andy Preece was hoping to inject some fresh impetus into his side for the visit of third-placed Bournemouth.

But new injuries to strikers Ian Lawson and Simon Whaley have scuppered his plans.

"Ian went over on his ankle in a reserve match this week, which is a huge blow because he was in contention for a starting place," said Preece.

"Simon would also have got a run out because I felt we needed his freshness and enthusiasm to give us a lift.

"But now we've had our options cut down up front and I've got a knee problem, too. I had to have an injection on Tuesday but I should be okay for Saturday."

Defender Danny Swailes completes his suspension but midfield playmaker Terry Dunfield is due to return from his ban and left back Jamie Stuart is also fit again.

The comebacks are a welcome boost for Bury, who desperately need a victory to keep pace with the teams in the automatic promotion spots.

Shakers can close the gap on their closest rivals to mere goal difference at Gigg Lane but should the Cherries triumph and proceed to take maximum points from their game in hand, they could open up a nine-point gap between the sides.

"We don't want to give them a chance to pull so far ahead. That would make it difficult for us," said Preece.

"I felt at the start of the season that Bournemouth would be up there in the promotion favourites. They have a strong side, who have been together for a while now, so they are tough to beat.

"It's disappointing not to have picked up more points than we have done recently, particularly at home, so we will be out to put that right against Bournemouth.

"But we are in fourth place with 14 games to go, which is a strong position."