BUILDING from the back is Alan Knill’s philosophy as Bury look to record their first home win of the season at Gigg Lane on Saturday.

The Shakers boss was bitterly disappointed to see his side concede 10 goals in six games before Tuesday night’s shut-out at Walsall — and he is urging his defenders to add more clean sheets to their tally ahead of the visit of Accrington Stanley.

“In the three league games we have lost this season, we were in the game until we gifted the opposition silly goals,” said Knill.

“Clean sheets give you foundations to build upon and, with the strikers we have at our disposal, we know we have the quality to score at the other end. Promotions are built around keeping clean sheets and we did that last year. We need to get back to doing that consistently.

“I realised what had gone wrong against Rochdale and showed the players and they went out and put it right against a League One side at Walsall.”

Knill, pictured, who admitted he was relieved to banish the memories of May’s play-off penalty shootout defeat against Shrewsbury with a spot-kick victory over Walsall, is hoping winger Simon Johnson can shine in the absence of injured colleagues Michael Jones and Danny Racchi. The 26-year-old, who is on a short-term deal at Gigg Lane, was handed his chance against Walsall and now Knill wants to see his faith rewarded.

“Simon did well and we know he has got good ability,” he said. “It was a good chance to give him his opportunity against Walsall and he deserved it because we lacked penetration against Rochdale. He is always dangerous around the opposition penalty box and hopefully he can show that.”

Knill revealed he had no firm enquires for any of his players before the transfer window slammed shut on Tuesday afternoon, and added: “I was relieved because we are already short on numbers because of injuries.

“Nobody will be leaving before January now and that means we know what we are working with and we can get our heads down and start to pick up the points.”

Bury look likely to be without David Buchanan (back), Andy Morrell, Jones and Racchi (all ankle) for the visit of John Coleman’s Accrington at the weekend.

Buchanan faces a fitness test ahead of the game, but the other three players look set to be sidelined for three weeks each.