A WEEKEND full-scale practice match involving every player in the first team squad told manager Andy Preece ... well, not that much really, writes Steve Canavan.

There was plenty of endeavour and commitment, said the boss, but still the same failure to play the vital final pass or show a moment of flair to unlock a defence.

Preece is only too aware that a moment of inspiration is what Bury have been lacking during the last four matches - all defeats - and he is still not sure how his side will overcome the problem.

He needs to try and solve it soon as what promises to be a full-blooded derby against Wigan Athletic at Gigg Lane is only a few days away.

"The practice match didn't tell me all that much," admitted Preece, who is still unsure which team he is going to pick to face Latics.

"There was bags of commitment. I know the lads have got that but there was a lack of organisation and that is what has been costing us lately.

"It is little things that we need to tidy up and which we'll be working on in training.

"We make some really good moves and Jon's makes some excellent runs but sometimes people aren't spotting them or, when they do, the final ball isn't good enough."

The Wigan match is now a big one for Preece and the team after what was a dream start at Tranmere has turned into a bit of a nightmare.

But, as Preece points out, nothing is won or lost after just four league games and there is plenty of time to put things right.

He hopes that it will start on Saturday, when Paul Jewell brings his Latics team to Gigg.

"It has to be a different performance from the Swindon match because the way we played in that game was totally unacceptable," added Preece.

On the injury front Baichung Bhutia is still not 100 per cent after his cartilige injury and Michael Nelson (hamstring) and Darren Bullock (ankle) are also below par.

All three however will almost certainly be okay for the weekend.