DEFENDER Lee Unsworth is ready to give Jon Newby and manager Andy Preece a run for their money in Shakers' goalscoring charts writes Chris Hall

The full-back has scored twice as many goals as he netted last season after firing his second of the campaign to clinch a 2-1 win over Carlisle.

His tally may be some way behind his goal-poaching mentors - with only five to his credit since turning professional seven years ago - but he claims only inexperience has stopped him from keeping pace with Bury's best.

"It was brilliant to get on the scoresheet again but I've been threatening to do that all season," he said.

"I don't get enough goals. I get into good positions and perhaps I'm not cool enough in front of goal at times. But I do enjoy scoring and now I'm hoping to get a few more."

In his new-found role as goal hero, Unsworth has quickly offered his support for struggling striker Newby.

After topping the club charts with eight goals already this campaign, the young hit man has failed to hit the target in his last three matches.

That is hardly a drought for the confident Liverpudlian but he will be desperate to kick-start his scoring form sooner rather than later.

"We had several chances to kill off the game on Saturday and Jon was a bit down afterwards," said Unsworth.

"But we all said his workrate was absolutely phenomenal. I'm not worried as long as he saves them for another day. He's a great player and can always stick a winner in for you."

Such confidence is typical of the entire Shakers squad at present and Unsworth claims that, after a stuttering opening spell, their sights are now firmly set on an automatic promotion spot rather than settling for a place in the play-offs.

"The Carlisle game was a big win for us," he said.

"We are now on the verge of the play-off places but we are really hoping to go straight up. The three points keeps us in touch with the front of the pack and we all believe we can go up this season.

"We are doing better away from home right know. I don't know why that is but we need to get our home form right if we want to win promotion."