Bury Town goalkeeper Marcus Garnham is optimistic of a strong run in the FA Trophy this campaign after last year’s disappointing exit.

Bury entertain Ryman North strugglers Chatham Town today looking to progress into the Third Qualifying Round.

And although the league remains the priority, Garnham is more than up for a run in the competition.

“It’s a great opportunity to make a name for yourselves,” said Garnham.

“It’s great financially, great for the fans and great for the club.”

“Cup runs give off a good buzz in the dressing room and if you win it also gives you more confidence going into the next round, as well as the league games.”

Bury exited the FA Trophy at the first time of asking last year as they lost 1-0 in a replay to eventual Ryman Premier champions Whitehawk.

“It was disappointing,” recalls Garnham.

“But we’re eager to make up for that this year and even more so that we’ve exited the FA Cup.”

Bury lost 2-0 to Thurrock in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup back in September but Garnham is determined to erase those memories and help his side progress in the FA Trophy.

“The good thing about cup games is that it all depends on one game,” added the shot-stopper.

“That can work against you as well but it’s eleven versus eleven for the day and whoever wins will go through, end of.”

Despite Saturday’s opponents currently being situated in a relegation scrap, in the league below, Garnham is taking nothing for granted.

“We shouldn’t underestimate them whatsoever,” he stressed.

“I’ve had a look at their results and although they’re struggling in the league, their cup results have certainly caught my eye.

“Anyone can beat anyone and we’ll have to be on top of our game to get through.”

Indeed, Chatham’s various cup results this season are impressive.

As well as winning two games to get this far in the Trophy, the Kent outfit were also just one result away from entering the First Round proper of the FA Cup – quite an achievement considering the level they play at.

And with Chatham now also in the third round of the League Cup, Bury can completely forget about any suggestions that this fixture is an easy-looking passage through to the next round.

Looking ahead at the bigger picture this season, Garnham is hoping that the Blues have found their feet and can keep on climbing the Ryman Premier table.

“We’ve been on a roll of late and the players and new players coming in look to have gelled and found their feet,” said Garnham, who joined the club in 2008.

One player Bury will have to live without this season is prolific striker John Sands, who has just made a switch to Ryman Prem rivals Canvey Island.

“Me and John get on really well,” said Garnham.

“The whole ‘will he, won’t he go ?’ speculation was dragging on a bit though.

“He’s moved on and good for him, Canvey offered him something he couldn’t turn down and we all wish him luck.”