RYAN Lowe says he will use some harsh remarks from Chesterfield manager John Sheridan about Bury as his inspiration to turn the heat on the League Two leaders.

The Shakers dominated against the Spireites on Tuesday evening, but could only come away with a point – courtesy of Lowe’s 20th goal of the season.

But an off-the-cuff comment from Sheridan to Bury defender Joe Skarz rattled the Shakers dressing room and has provided their leading scorer with plenty of ammunition to keep firing his side’s charge for promotion.

“Their manager turned to Joe Skarz at the end of the game and said that we have found our level, in other words suggesting we are going to be staying in League Two,” said Lowe.

“But maybe we have not found our level and they have. They haven’t won in the last five games and maybe they are struggling a bit now and we will overshadow them.

“I realise it is football mind games and if he wants to say stupid things like that we will show them what we are about when we go to their place (on April 25).

“I think it was a harsh thing to say, especially coming from an experienced player and manager, but we are not worried about it.

“It drives us on and we will remember it when we return to Chesterfield and maybe I can make a few comments after the game if we win.

“Next time we play them we know what they are about – we have nothing to fear from them.”

Lowe, who is continuing to find the target despite regular strike partner Nicky Ajose being ruled out for six weeks with a knee injury, has admitted he is pleased to break through the 20-goal barrier for the season and is looking for even more success.

“My target at the start of the season is always 20 goals – any striker wants to do that,” he said. “It is nice to be scoring goals and I am disappointed I didn't get my 21st at the end of the game when I had a chance.

“I was tired and I just threw myself at it but, if it had been in the first five minutes, I guarantee it would have gone in.

“Twenty goals is my best return in a season and I want to make sure I get a few more.”

Bury head to Gillingham on Saturday with no fresh injury worries – Ajose being the only man sidelined.

Former Shakers striker Danny Carlton, who had his contract cancelled by mutual consent last month, has signed for Morecambe until the end of the season.