Bury Town manager Ben Chenery is in an optimistic frame of mind, despite four straight Ryman North league defeats, as The Blues welcome Phoenix Sports to Ram Meadow on Saturday.

The last time Bury enjoyed the satisfaction of a league win, or even a point, was back on January 2.

Since then, the 10th-placed club have shipped 10 goals in four league games, which has seriously dented their promotion push.

Chenery, revealed: “Myself and the squad sat down recently and had a long chat about our form. There was no criticising, just grown men having a positive conversation.

“Some people are quick to look for negatives, however, there are too many positives around the club.”

The Blues are now seven points off the play-offs, with 16 games to play, yet Chenery believes the club is on track:

“The target at the start of the season was top eight, and to be in shooting distance of the play-offs at the business end of the season.

“We have limited resources available in comparison to other sides in the division. We can’t dwell on our current form, we must keep on improving year on year.

“It’s amazing what you can achieve by sticking together and working your socks off.”

The former Chelmsford City assistant manager will not be able to call upon defender Joe White and forward Leon Ottley-Gooch, who both have knee injuries.

Elsewhere, striker Josh Mayhew, who clashed into an advertising board during their late defeat at Waltham Abbey, and the suspended Noel Aitkens are also out.

Before their four straight defeats in Ryman North, the Ram Meadow outfit had gone five unbeaten, winning four, and Chenery added: “Every game in this league is tight, take Saturday’s defeat as the perfect example.

“We played reasonably well, then get caught on the counter-attack with the last kick of the game.”

AFC Sudbury loanee Kyran Clements is set to be named in the starting line-up once again, and Chenery added: “Kyran has been exceptional.

“He’s really stepped up, he’s strong and trying to lead. I love his commitment, he needs to carry that on.”