SKIPPER Steven Schumacher believes Bury need to show more guile against teams with a negative gameplan.

The Shakers were stifled by struggling Barnet on Saturday, with the Bees playing just one man up front in a bid to contain Alan Knill’s men.

The plan was relatively successful as the visitors struggled to impose their usual free-flowing attacking game on their hosts.

And an honest Schumacher says his side need to be a bit more inventive against other teams of a similar mindset.

“I think it is a bit of a back-handed compliment when teams are setting up against us with just one up front,” said the 26-year-old.

“Anyone that came to watch us against Sheffield Wednesday will know that they have to stop us getting the ball because once we are on it we are dangerous.

“It is a compliment but we can’t accept that this is the way things are going to be. We have to figure out a way to break these teams down. We need to mix it up a bit and come up with something that will get us three points every week.Schumacher is hoping Bury can start to gather some momentum with victory over Gillingham on Saturday.

They have yet to record a home win this season but will be hoping to for a repeat of the 4-0 scoreline that ended in Bury’s favour the last time the two teams met at Gigg Lane.

“It’s the old cliché but we have to win our home games,” said Schumacher. “We have not won at home yet and we have to put that right.

“As long as the fans know we are trying to do the right things they will be patient with us because they know it will click together.

“Cameron (Belford) made the point in the dressing room that we are unbeaten in four games – but we should be up there at the top of the table.

“We have five points but we should quite easily be on nine or ten points. We have to address that and we will work hard in training to put that right.

“I think Gillingham will be a stronger side than Barnet were so it will be a good test and we have to be up for it and match them.”