Bury boss David Flitcroft believes that his side are a match for anyone after a 4-0 dismantling of rivals Wigan Athletic at Gigg Lane in the FA Cup first round.
The 2013 cup winners found themselves three goals behind by half time as Tom Pope, Danny Mayor and captain Nathan Cameron all scored to give the Shakers an unassailable lead.
After the break, Leon Clarke came on as a substitute and took just five minutes to add Bury’s fourth in the 65th minute.
Flitcroft, who had spoken about Bury’s intensive match preparation beforehand, is confident his side have the ability to play against any team.
“The lads believe they can beat any team we play,” he said.
“I send out that message to this group, to never feel the opposition is superior and to make sure they back each other up in everything they do. They certainly did that today.
“We beat them in the Capital One Cup and we’ve beat them in the FA Cup. That’s how we perform – we’ve been performing consistently for two years now.”
The match did not appear to be one between two sides joint-fifth in League One, separated only by goal difference.
The Lactics struggled to deal with aerial balls throughout the game as three of the Shakers’ goals came from wide deliveries.
Flitcroft suggested that this was a particular weakness that had been identified before the game.
“We knew where we could hurt them, we wanted to get crosses in and penetrate the box,” he said.
“We did that, and to keep the clean sheet as well, comprehensive is a good word to describe it.
“It was probably as good a performance as we’ve had since I took over. Every single one of them had a team ethic. It was a real team performance and that’s what has got us the victory.
“I love this competition and to be in the next round was the key.”
Image courtesy of Bury FC via YouTube, with thanks.
