IT is derby day on Saturday and Shakers manager Alan Knill is hoping it will inspire his players to return to winning ways.

Bury make the short trip to Rochdale on the back of a 1-0 defeat against Grimsby, but they took plenty of heart from their dominant performance against the Mariners.

Keith Hill’s men have also had a mixed start to the campaign and have taken only four points from as many games after finishing sixth in League Two last season.

Both teams will be expected to be competing in the upper echelons of the division at the business end of the season, and Knill is anticipating a keenly fought contest this weekend.

“It’s a good game for both teams,” said Knill. “It is always a great atmosphere when we play them there and it’s a great occasion to be involved in.

“Both teams did well last season and it’s good when we are both successful because it adds a bit extra to the games between us.

“I saw them play on Sunday, when they were beaten by Rotherham, and they performed well and they will have been thinking the same when they watched us on Saturday.

“It all bodes well for a good game and hopefully we can get back to winning ways.”

Knill is keen to see his side improve in both penalty boxes, and has been placing extra emphasis on that in training this week.

“We can’t give teams goals and then give them something to cling on to,” said Knill, who takes his team to Walsall in the first round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Tuesday night. “We need to be able make a breakthrough when teams defend deep against us. We need to take more of a chance and shoot more.

“We are all confident the goals will come and it’s just a case of being solid at the back.”

Knill is confident he will have left-back David Buchanan fit for the derby clash, despite the Rochdale-born ace picking up a back injury in the Grimsby defeat. Michael Jones also suffered a knock against the Mariners and a late decision will be made on his fitness.

Star striker Andy Bishop is in contention for a start after impressing from the bench last weekend. Knill must decide whether to bring him back or stick with Jordan Robertson and Ryan Lowe as his front two.

Talks are still ongoing with former Grimsby left-back Tom Newey, who has been training with Bury throughout the summer.