JACOB Mellis believes the togetherness in the Bury squad is stronger than ever, despite losing their last seven games in all competitions.

The Shakers midfielder says he and his team-mates are hoping to put a nightmare October behind them as they seek revenge at home to AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup first round on Saturday.

Bury conceded a late goal in a 2-1 defeat at home to the Dons during their recent bad run.

And while the downturn in results has heaped pressure on manager David Flitcroft, Mellis is confident they can alleviate that by resurrecting the form that took them to the fourth round of the FA Cup last season.

“We have been on a bad run and we just need to get that win,” Mellis told the Bury Times.

“Nothing has changed, we are still giving it our all.

“The togetherness is still really strong. All the lads are pulling in the same direction and we know we only need one win and we'll find our form again.

“We have been very unlucky with injuries. If we have everyone fit then I reckon we probably have one of the best squads in the league.

“Suspensions have also been a bit of a problem but the manager has spoken to us about the discipline and we are working hard to improve on that.

“Sometimes it's frustration creeping in, that's why we're picking up too many yellow cards, we are working hard on it, though.”

Kean Bryan is available again after a three-match suspension but is an injury doubt with a quad muscle problem, while Leon Barnett continues to struggle with a calf injury.

Craig Jones (ankle), Nathan Cameron (knee) and Tom Pope (ribs) will also miss out.

Forwards Ishmael Miller and Chris Brown are continuing their fitness work after missing out on pre-season.

Tom Soares, Mellis's partner in the centre of midfield who was substituted against Northampton after picking up a knock, is expected to make a full recovery.

Meanwhile, Emeka Obi's move to Liverpool is still being held up by red tape.

Manager David Flitcroft said: “It's with the administration. We have done what we have done with Emeka and got him to a good place.

“It is just the red tape and the administration side and Liverpool are working on the deal.”

Meanwhile, Bury's academy were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup in the first round on Tuesday evening, going down 2-0 at neighbours Oldham.