Source:  The Bury Times

BURY is buzzing with excitement as the town's football club gears up for one of the biggest days in its recent history.

After a gruelling season, the Shakers face a last-ditch showdown with Accrington Stanley at Gigg Lane, where an expected 5,000 fans are set to raise the roof. If they win and rivals Exeter don't, Bury will be promoted to League One — the third level down — after seven seasons in the basement division.

Should they pull it off, it would be a massive morale boost for the borough. And if they don't make it, Bury would have a second bite at the cherry via the play-off system, which could land them a match at Wembley.

Ahead of the game, the club shop has been doing a roaring trade in shirts and scarves and confectioners Newmans of Radcliffe have even baked special "Shakers For Promotion" cakes for sweet-toothed fans.

Cheering them on will be Oscar-winning film director Danny Boyle, a lifelong Bury fan and best known for directing Hollywood smash hit Slumdog Millionaire.

Speaking to the Bury Times, Danny said: "Great season. Watch your back, Bolton. Keep it going and let the other teams make mistakes.

"Congratulations and Oscars all round for everyone at the club for a brilliant year."

Bury Council leader, councillor Bob Bibby, is also backing the side. He said: "The squad of players have worked tremendously hard this season to get in this position and they have my 100-per-cent backing.

"They represent everything that Bury stands for — ambition, high hopes for the future and bags of talent. I wish them all the luck in the world for the big game."

Bury FC director Ian Harrop said: "This is the biggest day in our recent history, probably since we last won promotion in 1996.

"Times on the pitch haven't been great since and the supporters who have stuck by us really deserve this day.

"We want them to really get behind the team on Saturday. I'm sure there'll be a lot of bitten fingernails towards the end."

Bury mayor, councillor Peter Ashworth, said: "I wish Bury FC the best of luck for the match this weekend.

"The whole borough is backing the team in their quest for promotion to League One this weekend."