Bury Town goalkeeper Marcus Garnham insists the Blues must avoid the inconsistency that blighted their play-off push last season as they chase promotion to the Conference South this term.

The former Woodbridge Town stopper has been the number one at Ram Meadow since 2008 and was part of the team that missed out on a place in the play-offs last season by the slender margin of four points.

This time round, Bury sit ninth in the division, two points off the top-five and look set for another solid season.

“We have got to be targeting promotion again, but we have got to avoid going on the type of poor run that we had last season,” he said.

“We went on a run of losing games and that killed us in the end.

“It is important that we are consistent, especially at home. We struggled at home last season and were better on our travels.

“Hopefully, with a big crowd behind us today we can secure a good result.”

Garnham and his team-mates may find themselves playing in front of a larger-than-normal audience as a result of the club’s contribution to ‘Non-League Day’ which has become an annual event.

“We have got 30-odd youth teams and they are coming to the game so there should be a lots of players and parents watching, hopefully in a nice, friendly atmosphere,” added the goalkeeper.

“Having a big support behind you is massive, the 12th-man and all that, especially if you are behind in a game. If they continue to keep cheering it gives the team an uplift.”

Some of those same fans were erring on the side of caution in pre-season following a summer of re-building by manager Richard Wilkins and assistant boss Ben Chenery.

A number of fresh faces arrived leaving questions to be asked as to how quickly the new signings would bed in, but Garnham admits they are doing fine.

“We have had a steady start after wholesale changes in the summer,” he explained.

“On the (Internet) forums there were a few fans worrying but we have only lost one game and that was down to me, it was my fault.

“Other than that we have been quite solid.

“Adam (Bailey-Dennis) has settled in well, while Semps (Ryan Semple) has shown his strength and pace and Seb Dunbar has been excellent.”

Today’s opponents Wealdstone finished last season in third, losing in the play-off semi-finals to Lowestoft Town’s conquerors Concord Rangers and are handily placed again, just two places off the top.

Garnham expects a tough test against a team that features prolific non-league hotshot Chris Moore and ex-Colchester hitman Scott McGleish, but maintains the Blues must prevail if they are to be serious contenders.

“They are a good side, we played against them last season and they were strong with the likes of Scott McGleish up top,” said Garnham.

“We nicked three points at their place at the end of the season.

“They are third in the league and are probably going to be one of nine teams going for a play-off place at the end of the season.”