ANDY Welsh wants his players to rise to the challenge as Bury AFC prepare to go to Abbey Hey in the FA Vase on Saturday.The AFC boss admitted it was a ‘fantastic’ draw between two teams riding high in their respective divisions in the North West Counties League.
Welsh’s side are currently second in First Division North - a point behind Holker Old Boys with a game in hand - while Abbey Hey are third in First Division South.
The Manchester club have stuttered slightly since the third round draw was made, drawing 2-2 with Cheadle Town and losing 2-1 against Cheadle Heath Nomads before bouncing back with a 4-0 win at Maine Road on Saturday.
The fact that the clubs are separated by just 15 miles - and have moved one step closer to a trip to Wembley Stadium - will just add to occasion says the AFC boss.
“I think it is a fantastic draw, a local derby, both teams doing well in the league and I think it makes for a great game,” said Welsh.
“For me, that is what I want for the players, I want them to be challenged all the time and we are really looking forward to that game.”
It has been a frustrating week on the playing front for AFC who have seen their last two league and cup matches fall foul of the weather and have not played since thumping Cleator Moor Celtic 5-1 nearly two weeks ago.
Last Saturday’s clash at Ashton Town was postponed following a second pitch inspection while Tuesday night’s Manchester Premier Cup quarter final against Trafford at Neuven Stadium was also called off.
Meanwhile, joint leading scorer Lewis Gilboy insists the assists are just as important as the goals as he tries to help AFC keep fighting on all fronts - and he is delighted to see that everyone is chipping in
“We can all score goals, we can all get in the box and we all make the goals,” said Gilboy. “It is not just little tap-ins but it is the build-up before the goals.”
Having taken his total to nine - the same as Ben Wharton - after scoring against Cleator Moor, Gilboy added: “Keep them coming! Assists are a massive thing for me as well. 
“I am trying to build on both of them, making sure I score and assist and that is the main aim.”
While the goals have been flying in at one end, AFC scored 17 in six league and cup games throughout November, they only conceded three goals and kept three clean sheets - a feat that earned Jack Atkinson the NWCL First Division North goalkeeper of the month award.