BEN Futcher believes the Shakers need to start scoring goals from all over the pitch.

Bury have a wealth of options up front, but they still drew a blank in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Grimsby.

And centre-back Futcher, who scored only twice last season, believes it is up to the defenders and midfielders to take some of the weight off the forwards.

“You can’t just blame the strikers when we don’t score,” said Futcher. “We had enough set-pieces on Saturday and everyone keeps clean sheets and scores together.

“As a collective we have to make sure we keep them out more and a few more of us chip in.

“There were encouraging signs on Saturday and it was a pretty one-sided game.

“We needed to score when we were on top and we became a bit frustrated in the final 20 minutes and it wasn’t to be.

“It’s very difficult in this division if the opposition score first — whether they are top or bottom. We had enough of the ball and moved it around pretty well, creating some good chances, and it was just disappointing.

“We couldn’t break them down and that’s something we have to look at. We have to be a bit more patient and I’m sure we will learn from it.

“We knocked too many longer balls instead of working it and that played into their hands. We have to make sure we start taking our opportunities.”

Futcher admits Bury need to rediscover their winning touch at Gigg Lane and added: “It’s important we win our home games — we had a good record at Gigg Lane last season and it took us a long way.

“We have to turn it around sharpish by keeping clean sheets and scoring.

“The lads are not too downhearted because on another day we would have got a goal and gone on to beat Grimsby.

“The local derby on Saturday is the best thing for us now and we’re all looking forward to it.”