WAYNE Brown has apologised to Shakers supporters for his mistakes that have cost Bury goals in their last three games.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper has been at fault for opposition strikes in the games against Crewe, Torquay and Tranmere and he is desperate to reverse his fortunes.

He is putting in extra hours on the training field and hopes, with the support of his manager, team-mates and the club’s fans, that he can recapture his best form — the sort that helped earn him the nickname “Superman” last season.

“I’m not happy with my performances in the last few games but it’s not for the want of trying,” said the former Hereford and Chester star. “I’ve been staying on after training, so it’s not because I am not working hard.

“Sometimes it just doesn’t go for you. I am experienced enough to know that it will change, but it’s not nice when it happens.

“I hate feeling like I have let down the manager, players and fans but, fingers crossed, it’s just a blip. I’m really enjoying it at Bury and I hope I can get a clean sheet on Saturday and put this patch behind me.”

Manager Alan Knill, meanwhile, is having to utilise all his resources with six senior players sidelined through injury. Andy Bishop, Andy Morrell, Damien Allen, Paul Scott and Danny Carlton are almost certain to miss the weekend visit of Northampton, while Richie Baker hobbled off on Tuesday night’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy victory over Tranmere.

“The team that we put out against Tranmere wasn’t our strongest and it’s unfortunate that we don’t have too much competition,” said Knill.

“I only have two fit strikers at the moment, and I had to rest one. If I lose one, I am struggling — that’s the reason why Ryan Lowe didn’t play. I have got to wrap them in cotton wool at the top end of the pitch.

“We have 14 fit players and we have had four games in 10 days so it takes a real toll on the lads.”