NIGEL Jemson today presented Bury's case for the defence - and reckons it's watertight.

The striker believes that in centre half kingpins Chris Lucketti and Paul Butler the Shakers possess a strong basis to make a future for themselves in the First Division.

And he is speaking from first hand experience. Jemson came face to face with the dominant duo at his former club Oxford United earlier in the season.

And he admits he prefers to play with them than against them.

"When I came up against them one of the main things I noticed was how aggressive they are," he said. "They are big and good on the ball as well as good in the air and they make it hard for strikers.

"It's a big blow losing Paul through suspension for the two games against Forest and Oxford next week.

"We will miss him because he is a great player who I rate very highly. Him and Chris have as god understanding."

Bury are unbeaten in eight games since Jemson's £100,000 arrival from Oxford - before today's trip to Nottingham Forest - and have conceded just five goals in that successful period. And it's not only the defensive side of his new club that has impressed him.

"We're strong at the back and in midfield," he added. "In fact from what the lads have told me the only thing we have been lacking is someone to hold the ball up and stick it in the net.

"But the squad has impressed me so much that it got to the point where I wondered why the manager bought me. There are a lot of good players challenging for the two places up front and you have to make sure you play well enough to stay in the for the next game."

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