Phil Picken insists Bury are still gunning for the League Two title despite sealing promotion two weeks ago.

After their six-match winning run came to end with defeat to Wycombe on Saturday, Bury need to win at Stevenage to have any hope of lifting the trophy.

Chesterfield are in pole position, sitting three points ahead of the Shakers, but, with an identical goal difference, defeat for John Sheridan’s men at home to Gillingham would see Bury crowned champions.

Stevenage are also in need of a win to secure a play-off place but full back Picken warned Graham Westley’s team, who are targeting back-to-back promotions, to expect a tough test.

“We want to go there and dampen their parade, that’s our goal,” said Picken.

“We can’t go there and let them roll us over, the lads and the manager won’t let that happen. We’ve got more pride than that.

“All we can do is win our game, that’s the main thing. Then we’ll see what happens.

“It’s out of our hands but you never know with football and there have been a few twists and turns along the way already. You never know, on Saturday we could be champions.”

Right-back Picken has made 43 appearances since moving to Gigg Lane from Chesterfield in the summer.

He has missed the last three games after picking up a hamstring injury during the win over Barnet but the 25-year-old former United youngster is hopeful of recovering in time to play some part in the game at Broadhall Way.

“It’s coming on lovely to be honest and hopefully I’ll be involved against Stevenage,” he said.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen but hopefully I don’t have to come in over the summer and I can be ready for League One next season.”

Picken was one of eight new signings to arrive at Bury in the summer as Alan Knill conducted a major overhaul of the squad that missed out on a top-seven finish last season.

Knill, who left for Scunthorpe United in March, predicted a mid-table finish before the season kicked off but Picken hailed his teammates for proving the doubters wrong.

“We’ve been promoted and we’re on a massive high,” he added.

“There was a budget cut from last season but the players have come together and they’ve been fantastic all season, every single player.

“It’s been a privilege to be involved and hopefully we can kick on next season.”

Stevenage league form: DDLWL

Bury league form: WWWWL

Key opponent: Michael Bostwick - a dependable performer in midfield

Prediction: Stevenage 1 Bury 2 - Shakers have had a cracking season and could well finish with a flourish

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Click here for all the latest odds from Betfred.

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