Two of Bury Town’s most influential players will be available for the rock-bottom Blues’ crunch clash with league leaders Maidstone at Ram Meadow tonight.

Striker John Sands (two bookable offences) and experienced midfielder John Kennedy (straight red card) were dismissed in Town’s last Ryman Premier League clash, the 3-0 home defeat to Kingstonian.

However, the duo’s bans will not start until this weekend’s trip to Leatherhead, meaning they will be free to start for manager Ben Chenery’s team tonight.

Town had not lost in four prior to the Kingstonian game but will have their work cut out in tonight’s re-arranged contest against an ambitious side who lead the Ryman Premier table by three points.

Kennedy and Sands’ potential inclusions therefore, could be crucial.

“You want your best players available,” said Chenery.

“My style of management meant I did not address either of them in the heat of battle (against Kingstonian), but they called me on the Sunday morning to express their feelings.

“It was not all black and white and I felt the referee was quite abrupt in one of the instances, but they are good lads and they realise that I can’t have them sat in the stands.”

Meanwhile, Chenery insists his side should show no fear against the league’s high-flyers and is hoping he can get a positive reaction from a big crowd in west Suffolk tonight.

“We were four games unbeaten and were loooking a more resilient team,” said Chenery.

“The game against Kingstonian was a blip and we haven’t changed.

“We had two players sent off and it wasn’t the best day at the office.

“Maidstone are up at the top on merit, but they lost on Saturday and we have to make it tough for them at Ram Meadow.

“We’re fighting for our lives and we have to show no fear.

“I don’t think anyone will be expecting us to get anything from the game – we certainly won’t be thinking that though – and we need to play with freedom, creativity and a high tempo and don’t give them time to play.

“Maidstone should bring a few fans and hopefully there will be a good attendance and the place will be rocking.”