RETURNING hero Ben Futcher has called on Bury to build on Saturday’s 4-0 hammering of Gillingham when they visit Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

The 27-year-old defender was restored to the starting line-up after a month on the sidelines, and he played a pivotal part in the Shakers’ return to form by keeping the Gills attack at bay.

Futcher now hopes Saturday’s victory is the catalyst for a consistent run of results.

“It was nice to win again,” said Futcher. “It’s been a tough run for the lads, but to come back into the team and for us to win 4-0 and keep a clean sheet means I’m delighted.

“We deserved a clean sheet because the lads battled hard. Everyone put a shift in, and that’s what it’s about. We are not about individuals, we are a team and that got us the result.

“We got confidence as the second half wore on, but we can’t sit back on that and we have to kick on now. We want to go on a run similar to the one we started the season with.

“Anyone can beat anyone in this division and that’s why it is so tough. You have to be at your best every week to get results and we know that.There is no use in winning one week and losing the next so we have to try and beat Accrington and the lads will be working towards that.”

While Futcher was out of the team, Alan Knill’s side just one of their three league games and crashed out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle.

And the giant centre-half admits that he found it difficult sitting in the stands.

“It hurt a lot to be dropped,” said Futcher. “We were in the top three when I was left out, and it was a bitter pill to swallow and I have not been happy about it but I kept my head down, worked as hard as I can in training and I think I played well on Saturday when we got a clean sheet.

“I have to keep that going now. Now that I am back in, I don’t intend to give my shirt up.”