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Flitcroft says blunt Bury need to ‘sharpen sword’ to avoid third consecutive defeat

Bury manager David Flitcroft does not believe that his side’s poor away form is caused by the opposition raising their game against the promotion candidates.

The Shakers have suffered four defeats in the last five on the road, as well as two consecutive defeats going into Saturday’s home game against Newport County.

But Flitcroft does not feel his side’s recent struggles are the result of teams putting in more effort against Bury than in matches against other League Two teams.

“I don’t know, in League Two there is a lot of honesty and sincerity so I don’t know if that is the case,” said the former Barnsley boss.

“If that is the case then it just means we have to sharpen our sword and make sure we do everything right.

“We’ve got Lowey coming back maybe and it would give us a massive boost because Lowey is a character, he’s a leader.”

Veteran striker Ryan Lowe has been unavailable for selection in recent weeks because of a hernia injury and Flitcroft felt his attitude would boost the squad.

The former Tranmere Rovers forward had been in good form before his spell on the sidelines, notching up six goals already this term, and will be hoping to make an instant impact.

Fellow front-man Hallam Hope, who was taken off against Morecambe last time out, is feeling the effects of a lack of game time according to his manager.

Flitcroft admitted after the defeat at the Globe Arena that it would take time for the Everton loanee to regain match sharpness and that he would be continuing intensive training.

Newport arrive at the JD Stadium without a win in their last four games in all competitions and sit just outside the play-off places, five points behind Bury.

Both of last season’s fixtures between the two sides ended in goalless draws and the Shakers may be looking for the creative talents of Danny Mayor to unlock the Welsh side’s defence.

The midfielder made it to the final three of the League Two Player of the Year category at the North West Football Awards, eventually missing out to Fleetwood Town’s Conor McLaughlin.

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

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