LEE Clark believes he has hit upon a winning formula after Bury put in two more promising displays this week.

The Shakers upset the odds to beat promotion-chasers Bradford 3-1 at home on Saturday and were cruelly denied at least a point in a 2-1 defeat at Blackpool in midweek.

Bury’s upsurge in form since switching to a 3-4-1-2 formation has not necessarily reaped the rewards they have deserved, with the club claiming seven points from a possible 15.

But the manager is keen to persevere with the tactics at Southend on Saturday.

“We turned in some terrific performances in the last two games but only won one of them, so we need to get on a run of winning games. That’s the key for us now,” he said.

“We played some terrific stuff at Blackpool and deserved more than we got. We didn’t deserve to lose. But ultimately we have so we have to put that right. We’ve got to dust ourselves down and go again on Saturday.

“The lads need a bit of rest when you’re playing games regularly. They’ve got to be fresh, especially the way I want to play, with a high tempo.

“Southend will be extremely tough. Phil Brown always has his teams well drilled, they’re hard working and have some quality players. We have to be ready for that and show some courage.”

l Bury face a tricky trip to Woking in the first round of the FA Cup after the Surrey side won a replay at Concord Rangers. Woking are third in the Vanarama National League and pressing for promotion to League Two.