BURY have brought their League One match against Shrewsbury Town forward a day to help beat the annual last-minute festive shopping rush.

The game, which was originally scheduled for the last Saturday before Christmas, will now be played on Friday, December 21, kick-off 7.45pm.

“The last Saturday before Christmas is a nightmare for football clubs as attendances are always badly hit,” said Bury chairman Brian Fenton.

“Last season we reduced ticket prices to £5, which did boost the gate but we still only ended up covering our costs.

“We took advice from quite a few Football League clubs who move their matches to a Friday night and it seems to work out really well for them.

“It’s a hectic time, so this should give fans the chance to take a night off and enjoy themselves in what will hopefully be a really good atmosphere.”

The club is also considering a promotion to attract supporters of local Premier League and Championship clubs to the match.

And the chairman hopes the move will have a positive effect on the squad, who will be given extra recovery time over the busy festive period. Richie Barker's side travel to Preston on Boxing Day and Carlisle on Saturday, December 29, before welcoming Tranmere to Gigg Lane on New Year's Day.