BURY Town will need to produce a much-improved performance today if they are to avoid a second cup exit in the space of four days.

The Ryman League Premier Division side, who lost 1-0 in Tuesday night’s FA Trophy first qualifying round replay at Whitehawk, this afternoon host Hampton & Richmond in the FA Cup third qualifying round.

Conditions down on the South Coast were “a real horror show” according to Bury manager Richard Wilkins, although he is not using that as an excuse for their defeat.

“We played in driving rain and the wind was swirling around – it was horrendous. Marcus Garnham (Bury Town’s goalkeeper) took one kick into the wind which reached the half-way line, but the wind dragged it back 25 yards.

“The lights went out at one stage and it was a real horror show, but the reason we lost is that we were not good enough.

“They knew how to use the wind and our passing was overcooked or undercooked and we deserved to lose.”

Bury will today definitely be without right back Russell Short, who is best man at his brother’s wedding, while Allicion Blake, who signed for Bury at the start of the season on a dual registration with Woodbridge Town, is cup-tied.

Lee Reed is rated 50-50 after missing Tuesday’s match with a knee injury sustained in the original tie last Saturday.

Billy Clark is also a doubt with a hip problem which forced him to come off at half time on Tuesday, although Jordan Patrick, who slipped and tweaked his groin at Whitehawk, should be fit.

Wilkins added: “On top of that Evan Key is unavailable is he is in the Suffolk FA Youth squad, and he would probably have come straight into the side.”

Hampton & Richmond currently sit second in the Ryman League Premier Division – level on points but one place above Bury – and have conceded just once in six league games.

Wilkins said of today’s opponents: “They are a very good team with good players and a sound defence who have hardly conceded.

“It will be a tough tie for us, especially with players out as well, but hopefully we can get back to our passing game.”