ANDY Preece has one wish this weekend - to pick up the Sunday papers and see a different club at the bottom of division two.

And that is a distinct possibility, providing Bury get something from the trip to Brian Horton's Port Vale tomorrow.

Two successive league home wins has left the Shakers just a point behind Wigan Athletic, and closing in fast on Cambridge, Northampton and Wrexham.

Preece is desperate to overhaul them. "Getting off the bottom would be a massive psychological boost for us," he admitted.

"We've had a good run lately and we've got ourselves right back in with the other teams. Some people were writing us off a few weeks ago but on Saturday night, if things go our way at Vale, then we could be off the bottom and even up a couple of places.

"The players' belief and confidence has never wavered and we are confident we will get out of it."

The manager has the usual injury problems on his hands, this time in midfield. Jason Jarrett is struggling with an Achilles problem while Matt Murphy has a knee injury.

Both players were due to undergo fitness tests today.

If they failed, it will almost certainly mean a league debut for promising youngster David Borley.

The 20-year-old put in a sparkling performance in the midweek LDV Vans Trophy game against Notts County and Preece has no doubts about throwing him in at the deep end tomorrow.

"If he does get a chance he will be there on merit," said the Bury boss.

"He did excellently in midweek and his pass for the first goal was superb. He can see things that other players can't.

"When he got the ball in midfield he was the one that made us play and with Jason and Matt struggling I'd have no qualms about playing him."

Gareth Seddon is out with shingles so Ian Lawson will again lead the line with Jon Newby.

The only real dilemma for Preece is in defence. Sam Collins and Danny Swailes start but will Michael Nelson or Steve Redmond get the nod at sweeper?