WHISPER it quietly but Bury are gearing up for a big promotion party.

The official word from the camp is that the champagne stays on ice until it is mathematically certain that one of the prized top three spots is guaranteed.

But beneath their ultra-professional surface the adrenalin is pumping in the knowledge that the corks should be popping at any time now.

It could be at Darlington today if they equal the highest number of away wins in the club's history and Plymouth, Wigan and Hereford all fail to get the three points in their away games.

If not, then the party venue could be at Exeter City next Saturday or back home at Gigg Lane on the last day of the season when struggling Cardiff City are the visitors.

Success would put Bury back in the Second Division after four seasons in the soccer basement and centre half Chris Lucketti says the players are determined not to let it slip from their grasp.

"It's is not certain yet and we have a big couple of weeks coming up.

"We are going to have to stick together and show a lot of fighting qualities.

"It doesn't matter now how we play as long as we get the points we need. I'm afraid it isn't going to be pretty while we still need the points but it will all be worthwhile if we go up."

And Gigg Lane's most valuable playing asset believes the club could live in the higher division.

"I think we are really well prepared for the Second Division if we go up," he added.

"We have a good ground and a big, young squad of players who are capable of playing there.

"All we have to do is look at Chesterfield who beat us in the play-off final last season. We were so close to going up instead of them and they are going really well and looking good for the play-offs again."

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