Former Exeter City striker Danny Nardiello is hoping to make it two in two when he re-visits St James’s Park with Bury tomorrow.
The striker joined Bury from League One side Rotherham United two weeks ago and scored his first goal for the Shakers on Tuesday night securing victory over Hartlepool – the Shakers’ first win at home since August 31.
The 31-year-old loan signing is eager to extend that record against the Devon club, in a dismal run of form with defeats in the league this month to Rochdale, Southend United and Portsmouth.
“I scored against them (Exeter) last year, so it would be nice to score another and obviously get a win,” said Nardiello.
“Three points on Saturday is the main thing. I think we have only lost one in six now, so we are going places – moving forward and working as a team to get there.”
“We could have scored more so we need to maybe put more of our chances away.”
The Shakers head into the game full of confidence after the mid-week victory extended their unbeaten record to three games in League Two and moved them up to 20th in the table, three-points above the drop zone.
In recent weeks Bury caretaker boss Ronnie Jepson has insisted that the Shakers need to be more clinical in front of goal and he hopes the partnership between Nardiello and fellow Rotherham loanee Danny Hylton starts to pay off.
Hylton was on target in Bury’s 1-1 draw at home to AFC Wimbledon last Saturday and the forward believes that his strike partner, who started his career at Manchester United, will be very difficult to stop when he hits top form.
“Nards is a brilliant player. Look at where he has played – Champions League and stuff,” he said.
“He’s a goal machine and he’s also a clever player who can make chances for himself, so it’s great to play with him.
“You give him a chance and I would trust him with my life to score.”
Jepson signed 20-year-old Sunderland defender Scott Harrison yesterday on loan until January 1 and the centre-back will go straight into the squad to face Exeter.
Captain Andy Procter is also available for the trip to Devon after being suspended for Tuesday’s match.
Image courtesy of Bury Football Club via YouTube, with thanks.
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