WHEN it comes to the state of Bury’s pitch, for Chris Hussey at least, every cloud has a silver lining.

The rampaging full-back admits playing on it is difficult – pin-point crossing is a major part of his game and he now often has to take an extra touch before whipping in the ball.

But the 26-year-old is willing to make do with that imposition in return for a place in the starting line-up.

“We started the season with four (at the back), then changed to a three and we were winning,” said Hussey, who was relegated to the sidelines following the switch in formation.

“I just had to do everything right, keep my head down and then play well when I did get my chance.”

It wasn’t just the former Burton defender’s performances in training that convinced manager David Flitcroft to reinstate him in the first team.

Bury had a pristine playing surface during the opening months of the campaign, but a new drainage system installed at the JD Stadium over the summer has failed, leaving the pitch boggy and cut up in places.

As the pitch deteriorated, the Shakers boss refined his side’s playing style, and Hussey was the biggest beneficiary.

“Playing on it is difficult, in comparison to where it was at the beginning of the season, when we were passing it well and opening teams up at ease. At the minute we are taking that extra touch,” he said.

“You see things, but maybe you just can’t trust the run of the ball.

“But the pitch is the pitch and we just have to get on with it.

“The gaffer has adapted to it and I’ve come in, done well and hopefully I can stay in the team.”

An added bonus has been the full-back’s blossoming partnership on the left with winger Danny Mayor.

The two players dovetailed nicely at the tail end of last season, but were in direct competition for the left wing-back role this campaign before Flitcroft switched back to 4-4-2.

Now they are back in tandem and the displays, if not always the results, are starting to flow.

“I love playing with Danny Mayor,” added Hussey.

“We’ve got a good friendship off the pitch and he’s a special player.

“When I am playing with him I can feel it. He gives me the confidence to get forward and get my crosses in.

“He didn’t have a great game against Exeter, but look how many points he has won us.

“He keeps trying to get on the ball when other players would have gone hiding, which is the sign of a good player.”

Hussey is expected to feature again today as Bury travel to struggling Cheltenham Town eager to force their way back into the play-off places.

The Shakers have fallen out of the top seven after back-to-back draws. But while they lost to Cheltenham in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season, Flitcroft's side will be hopeful of gaining three points against a side that have lost their last three matches and not won in six games.