Sport

Bury players funding promotion push from their own pockets, says Flitcroft

Bury’s players will contribute financially for the away trip to Portsmouth in a bid to maintain their promotion push, according to manager David Flitcroft.

Joe Riley’s unstoppable 30-yard drive gave the Shakers all three points against second placed Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday and guaranteed a play-off spot at worst.

After Saturday’s trip to the south coast, Bury face fifth-placed Southend next Tuesday and Flitcroft is delighted with his squad’s desire to prepare for the game.

 “The lads have put some money in to stay down on Saturday after the game because the Southend game is so important,” he said.

“They are paying a contribution to the flights home on Sunday and that is the type of commitment these group of lads are giving me.

“We will just keep trying to chase that top three, they have done fantastically and those top three managers have been incredible.”

Bury sit in fourth, four points behind Wycombe Wanderers in the final automatic promotion place, but have a game in hand against Southend United.

Next week’s showdown with Southend, who are only a point behind the Shakers, could determine where Flitcroft’s men finish this season.

And Bury, who won 3-0 against Portsmouth at home earlier in the season, will need to replicate a similar performance to maintain their current form.

Having won eight of their last ten matches, the Shakers have the momentum that is often needed at the business end of the campaign.

And the match winner against Shrewsbury, Joe Riley, insists the players are firmly focussed on overhauling Wycombe in the remaining four games.

“We are going for automatic promotion, there’s no two ways about it, if it has to be the play-offs we will fancy our chances in that as well,” he said.

“We’ve been fantastic away from home and we’re going down to Portsmouth fancying our chances there too – fingers crossed we break the record.”

The Shaker’s win away at Newport County last weekend equalled a club record of six straight away wins and that will be bettered with victory at Fratton Park. 

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

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