BURY AFC boss Andy Welsh has urged the fans to “bring the noise” in their first home game of the season against Bacup Borough on Saturday.

The phoenix club have enjoyed the perfect start to the campaign, winning their two opening games on their travels and Welsh is looking forward to playing in front of what should be a packed Neuven Stadium.

AFC followed up Saturday’s 4-2 win at Ilkley Town in the opening game of their NWCL First Division North 2021/22 campaign with a 3-1 win at Atherton LR on Tuesday – and Welsh described both performances as “outstanding”.

Having been well supported on the road, Welsh is now relishing the chance to finally play in front of AFC’s home fans.

“We need to bring the noise on Saturday and get behind the lads,” he said.

“Like I said from the get-go, fitness levels are through the roof, stick with them, get behind them like they did tonight (Tuesday), what a fantastic following again tonight.

“Nice and loud and I thought the lads gave a lot back to them and as a whole and as a group I am very proud to be the Bury manager to come on the road and get our second win of the season.”

On Saturday, following a goalless first half, two goals in four minutes from Adam McWilliam and Ayo Ibrahim put AFC in control only for Ilkley to draw level soon after with two quick efforts.

But two goals from Aidan Chippendale in last 30 minutes, the second from the penalty spot, sealed the points.

On Tuesday night, AFC raced to a 3-0 lead thanks to first half headers from Abs Obasoto and Ibrahim with Harry Brazel adding a third, also a header, soon after the restart. Atherton did pull one back and Welsh fully expects every team they come up against to raise their game.

“I know people will be talking about conceding a goal but, I said it Saturday, the type of team we are, this is their cup final,” said Welsh after Tuesday night’s win. “They are going to have a go at us so. I thought that Jack (Atkinson) made some really good saves but I think that is was the most accomplished performance from our back four we have seen for a long time and we look comfortable.”

The win means AFC are one of only two teams with a 100 per cent record after two games and they are kept off top spot by AFC Blackpool on goal difference.

“I thought we were outstanding. I don’t want to use that word too much but you are coming here on a pitch which is very difficult to play on but I thought that we played the game superbly....we managed the game well,” Welsh added.

The only downside was the sending off of goal scorer Brazel, a dismissal Welsh did not agree with.

“It wasn’t a red card, simple as that,” he said. “I’m gutted for Harry because I thought his performance was top notch.”