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‘No friends’ for former Tranmere star as Bury set their sights on Wembley

Bury midfielder Joe Thompson is looking forward to facing old friends as the Shakers welcome Tranmere Rovers to the JD Stadium.

The Greater Manchester side come into the game having won nine in a row at home and will be looking to progress into the JPT area semi-final. 

But Thompson, who came off the bench to help Bury overcome Hemel Hempstead Town last Saturday, said there will be no love lost. 

“I’m still friendly with a few of them but come Tuesday there will be no friends,” he said.

“I know all about Tranmere Rovers but there has been a lot of change behind the scenes and a big turnover of players.

“The fans were spot on with me, the last year that I had wasn’t the best but they did give me a lot of support and helped me through.”

The promotion chasing League Two side have also bolstered their squad with the loan signing of Rotherham United goalkeeper Scott Loach.

The 26-year-old is vastly experienced having made more than 230 appearances and has penned a three-month deal. 

Hallum Hope has also returned to the JD Stadium on loan from Premier League outfit Everton and will be with the club until early January.

The forward had a stint with the Shakers at the end of last season and scored five goals in his previous eight appearances.  

Both players are available for tonight’s game Thompson is targeting a Wembley appearance in March with Bury currently competing on three fronts. 

“It’s an opportunity to get to Wembley, we’ve had nine wins [in a row] at home and they’re coming to our patch so we need to keep that going,” he added.

“All the staff will be breaking down what they [Tranmere] do and where we can expose them – I hope I’m involved.”

After coming back from a goal down to defeat Hemel last weekend the Shakers have been rewarded with a home tie against Luton Town.

The FA Cup second round tie will take place on the weekend of December 5, 6, 7 ahead of the potentially lucrative third round in early 2015.

Main image courtesy of Bury Football Club via YouTube, with thanks.

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