ANYONE who saw Town's demoli tion of Bury back in August would have laughed off the prospect of the teams being separated by just two points at Christmas.

The Shakers were truly awful as Town strolled to a 3-0 win, courtesy of goals from Jo Kuffour, Keith O'Halloran and David Duke.

Andy Preece's side made a truly shocking start to the season.

After a surprise opening day win at Tranmere, Bury then lost eight games on the trot.

They were marooned at the bottom of the table and looked certainties for relegation.

Bury, like Town, are in an extremely unhealthy financial position and the Shakers were forced to ease their woes by ridding themselves of several first teamers, including former Town man Darren Bullock.

But Bury really hit rock bottom with a 5-1 thrashing at Brentford on October 23.

That defeat seemed to stir something in the Bury squad and the players refused to accept their fate and started to turn things around in spectacular style.

Goals from Lee Unsworth and George Clegg secured a 2-0 win over the then in-form Peterborough United.

But far more impressive was a 3-0 home thrashing of Cardiff City on November 7.

The highly rated Jason Jarrett put the Shakers ahead, with goals from leading scorer Gareth Seddon and David Borley completing the rout.

In fact, Bury have lost only once in their last eight matches, a 2-0 defeat at home to Brighton.

Worryingly for Town, Preece's men have been consistently good both home and away.

As well as home triumphs over Cardiff and Northampton, a Jon Newby strike secured a 1-0 win at Colchester while strikes from Borley and Seddon led to a 2-1 win at Notts County.

The Bury player-manager has the classic blend of youth and experience to call on.

With cash tight, youngsters have been given their chance but they have been guided by old pro's like Steve Redmond, the former Manchester City and Oldham defender.

It was Redmond's goal that secured a point for Bury at Wigan on Boxing Day.

Other players with considerable league experience are attacking wide man Chris Billy and no nonsense defender Sam Collins, both previously with Huddersfield Town.

Confidence will be high in the visitors camp but Town can look to last season for inspiration.

The Shakers arrived at the County Ground in January for a crucial relegation battle and Andy King's men won 3-0, courtesy of strikes from Michael Reddy, Keith O'Halloran and Steve Cowe.

Andy King will be hoping for a repeat performance from his men.