BURY travelled to spy on FA Cup opponents Northwich Vics for the fourth time last night.

Boss Andy Preece ordered his scouts to take careful note as Vics lost 2-1 to Hyde United in a league game.

Preece knows a win is vital from Saturday's crunch cup contest and he is leaving nothing to chance.

It's not just the fans who will be expecting a win. Chairman Terry Robinson is desperate for a good cup run to try and generate some money and balance the books.

But without a victory in seven games Preece knows there is every chance of an upset, especially as before last night Northwich were flying, unbeaten in five matches since new manager Keith Alexander took over.

"We want to know everything about them to make sure we know what we're up against," said Preece.

"Brian Alexander has done a great job since he took over and he's obviously added something because he's taken them from bottom to mid-table. But if we continue playing like we have been doing we should win.

"There is pressure on us to win but if the players can't handle that pressure they shouldn't be playing football. It shouldn't be any different to any other game except this time we are expected to win.

"We know it won't be easy because they are a good Conference side and some people might think there will be an upset, especially after the run we've had.

"But if we play as well as we have been doing in our last three games against Wigan, Luton and Wycombe then we should be okay. I don't like making excuses but we've not been having any luck and hopefully Lady Luck might be smiling a little this weekend."

Speaking about his own position Preece said: "Maybe if this bad run carries on I'll start to feel some pressure but I don't feel any at the moment."