Bury boss Dave McNabb is relishing his side’s derby against Radcliffe in the FA Cup third qualifying round – and hopes to do the fans “proud”.

The draw produced an exciting tie at the Neuven Stadium after Radcliffe overcame Warrington Town, while the Shakers won at Blyth Spartans.

Boro joint-boss and Bury fan, Anthony Johnson, called it a 'dream tie'.

“The fans have been fantastic this season - the positivity and the way they have taken to the players and how we are trying to play,” McNabb told The Bury Times.

“It has been a joy to be part of really. With the amount of travel and miles in the cup games so far, it would be better to have a home game but obviously it is a local one.

“It is something the fans can get behind and really enjoy. Hopefully, we can do them proud on the day.”

There is also plenty of excitement in the Radcliffe camp. “Forget everything else, but I’m getting to manage our team against the club I’ve supported my whole life. Absolute dream of a tie,” Johnson wrote on social media.

“What a great tie for our football club. Been some big crowds the last couple of years but nothing will come close to this when Bury come to town. Top game of football and a sell-out crowd,” Nicky Adams added.

For now, attention turns to this weekend’s FA Vase tie as Bury welcome Burscough to Gigg Lane.

The Shakers enter the contest on the back of a 1-1 draw at Ramsbottom United thanks to Rustam Stepans’ late equaliser.

“It’s another big game for us,” said McNabb. “It is difficult to take it one game at a time with the catching up we need to do with the league fixtures, but obviously the FA Vase is a competition that is really close to me.

“We want to try and do as well as we can. They are a side in good form and have some very good players in attacking areas and defensively as well.

“They will be a tough team to break down, they will come with a gameplan and I am sure it will be a difficult game.”

Tuesday night’s result saw Bury extend their unbeaten start and McNabb was pleased with his side’s reaction after the break.

“First half, we looked a little bit tired and disjointed,” he continued. “We have had a tough couple of weeks with four successive away games, travelling all over the place.

“It has been tough for the boys and I think that reflected in the way we started the game, it was a little bit sloppy.

“That being said, we kept the ball well at times and showed how good we can be in spells in the first half, but not consistently enough.

“From the second half, it was a completely different game. They still looked dangerous on the counter attack but it was wave after wave of attack.

“We were unfortunate not go get the three points but it is a tough place to go. They are doing really well and have a distinct way of playing that suits them. All in all, a good point.”