0SHAKERS boss Andy Preece reckons the battle for the third and final automatic promotion spot will run until the last day of the season.

With just five games left, only four points separate the eight teams from third to tenth in the Division Three table, ensuring one of the most dramatic run-ins imaginable.

That makes Bury's home battles with promotion rivals Scunthorpe and Wrexham -- on the final day of the campaign -- potential make or break battles.

The Gigg Lane side have amazingly failed to string two wins together all season but anything other than a strong late charge could see them not only miss out on the top three but fall out of the play-off reckoning as well.

Frustratingly, their impressive 2-1 win at Exeter on Saturday was matched by most of their rivals, leaving them stuck in ninth position.

But Preece remained philosophical, claiming the outcome of this season was fated to go to the wire.

"It's so hard in this league," he admitted. "You can guarantee that when we win, all our rivals seem to win as well, and when we lose so do they.

"But we are used to that situation now and I believe that's the way it will stay right up to the final match of the season.

"We haven't set a target but when you get to the 60 point mark with five games to go you know you are in with a good chance.

"Obviously the Scunthorpe and Wrexham matches will be important and if we win those our destiny will be in our own hands.

"That's as much as you can ask when you reach this stage of the season."

Preece could not wish for a stronger team spirit as his charges enter the 'business end' of the season.

Friday's overnight stay in Devon was paid for by the players, who are dipping into their own pockets to keep popular centre half Steve Redmond at the club.

The veteran former Manchester City ace was believed to be on his way out of the club until the squad agreed to help out financially by paying for overnight stops and travelling to away reserve games in cars rather than a coach.