ON the evidence of Bury's performance against Bristol Rovers they have as much chance of beating leaders Hartlepool United as Saddam Hussein does of collecting the Nobel Peace prize.

Yet Andy Preece knows the Shakers could easily go to Victoria Park on Friday night and topple the Division Three champions elect.

Preece insisted he was responsible for the 1-0 home defeat by Bristol Rovers last night (Tuesday), which amazingly didn't do any serious damage to Bury's automatic promotion hopes.

But it was the players who let the manager, the fans and themselves down.

'I picked the team'

"I blame myself because it was me who picked the team and me who decided the system to play," explained Preece as Robert Quinn's 64th minute goal separated the sides.

"I made a couple of changes to try and freshen things up, but really I could have made five or six. We just can't find a level of consistency at home. It's there for us but how much do we want it?

"As a manager it's so frustrating. You just don't know how the players are going to come out and play."

Colin Cramb summed up the difference between last Saturday's win over Bournemouth and this defeat by a team fighting for their Football League status.

He was man of the match for his winning goal against the Cherries, but was taken off at half-time last night for looking totally out of sorts.

To add injury to insult Chris Billy is out of the Hartlepool game with a knee injury while Jamie Stuart is doubtful after breaking his nose.

How much damage did this defeat do to Bury's promotion hopes? Have your say.