THE PREVIEW: Rovers returned to form with a much-needed win over Thurrock in the League Cup on Wednesday.

Having won just one of the last eight matches, Rovers’ midweek win has lifted spirits ahead of what will be a difficult encounter at fourth-placed Bury.

Relegated from the Ryman Premier last year, Bury have started this term well, losing just one of their 12 games so far this term, although that did come at home.

However, with Billy Johnson, right (no.8), and Jay Nash back on the goal trail in midweek, manager Dan Trenkel will be hopeful of a positive performance.

WHAT HE SAYS: Rovers boss Dan Trenkel said: “It will be another tough assignment for us. Bury lost their unbeaten record this week against Heybridge, which a lot of people didn’t see coming, so I expect to feel the backlash of their anger.

“The whole club is geared to being a Ryman Premier side and they’ll be looking to get back to the Premier at the first attempt. We will create chances I’m sure of it but we have to be clinical if we want to get something from the game.

“We are massive underdogs so we can go and let loose and have a real go.

“Tuesday’s result was much needed for everyone. We’d been on a difficult run of late and that team performance and a couple of individual performances within it showed that we do have the quality required for this level, the players just need to show it to me on a more consistent basis.”

FORM GUIDE: WDLLL

TEAM NEWS: Nick Skelton picked up another knee injury during the first half against Royston and he is waiting for a scan to see the damage, while Stuart Hepburn is banned after picking up his fifth booking of the season.

George Artemi will be in the squad after making his return midweek, while Eljay Worrell returns from holiday.

Trenkel also confirmed the club had turned down seven day approaches from Hullbridge Sports for Tom Ranger and Jacob Cleaver.