CHRIS Casper is looking for a big response at Carlisle United on Saturday in the wake of Monday's 4-1 defeat at Peterborough.

The Bury FC boss was bitterly disappointed with the performance of the side at London Road and has threatened big changes if things don't improve.

With a number of injured players due to get back in action in the reserves on Wednesday afternoon, competition for places is hotting up and any underachievers could well lose their places in the coming weeks.

"After the shambles on Monday we are looking for a big improvement on Saturday," he said.

"With the size of squad we have now lads should be playing for their lives.

"It was very disappointing and wasn't good enough, but hopefully we'll have got that out of our system.

"One thing is for sure, if we play that way at Carlisle we have little chance."

The Cumbrians' Christmas programme was in marked contrast to Bury's with Paul Simpson's side picking up seven points from a possible nine.

A 1-1 home draw against Darlington was followed by a 2-1 victory over Rochdale, also at Brunton Park.

They trumped that with a fine 2-1 win at leaders Grimsby Town on Monday so will be full of confidence ahead of the weekend's clash.

Of the four games the Shakers had planned for the holiday schedule, two defeats sandwiched two postponements and Casper is only too well aware that the weather disruption worked against his team.

"I think, overall, the postponements over the Christmas period did us no favours at all," he said.

"If you can't prepare properly for games you are going to get performances like Monday's and that's not an excuse, it's a reason.

"The great thing about football is one minute you are down, the next you are up, it always gives you a chance to bounce back and that's what we'll be looking to do."

Injured trio Allan Smart, Jon Newby and Tom Kennedy were all due to play in the reserves at Oldham, further strengthening Casper's hand . Also in action at Boundary Park was Doncaster Rovers' loan striker Ben Saunders who played the first half at Peterborough, two days after signing for a month.

"Ben is a big, strong lad who we have had watched four or five times this season," he added.

"He scored a lot of goals for Worksop on loan and has done well in training with us.

"We decided to give him a go at Peterborough and he did pretty well, it wasn't his fault we were beaten.

"He just needs a bit more time to get used to the place but he has definite potential."

As expected, striker Jake Speight has put pen to paper on an 18-month contract after joining the club on loan from Nationwide Conference side Scarborough at the end of November.

A 'nominal' fee has been accepted by the Boro board, believed to be in the region of £10,000, making him the first player in six years to join the club for money.

The 20-year-old Yorkshireman caught the eye of Casper when he spent a period on trial during the summer.

At that time, although impressing then manager Graham Barrow, the quick and powerfully-built forward was unable to secure a contract but Casper's wheeling and dealing has allowed him to give Speight a second chance of forging a career in the professional game.

Last season was something of a disappointment for Speight who had been involved in the Sheffield United youth set-up from under-eight level

He needed a double hernia operation in the summer that kept him out of action until Christmas then, with opportunities limited he went out on loan to Gainsborough Trinity.

Despite playing in the Blades' successful Under-19s side, and the reserves, he was allowed to leave Bramall Lane and after missing out at Gigg, took up the chance to join Scarborough.

"I worked with Jake last season and he gives us pace, has good strength and an eye for a goal," explained Casper.

"He has a good aggressive streak in him too and although he is inexperienced and will take time he has plenty of positives in his game."

The permanent arrival of Speight will further speculation that Simon Whaley will be leaving Gigg Lane in the transfer window.

A number of clubs are casting an enviable eye on the Bury player and he almost moved to Sheffield Wednesday a few weeks ago.

Meanwhile, veteran Colin Woodthorpe has agreed terms to extend his contract to the end of the season.

The evergreen defender, who will be 37 next Friday (January 13), has been a consistent performer this campaign.

Since Casper resorted to a back four, Woodthorpe has forged a formidable partnership in the centre of defence with skipper Dave Challinor and his experience is seen as being vital in the development of youngsters such as Andy Parrish.