FOUR games in eight frantic days is the daunting schedule for the Shakers over the Christmas period.

But it's a programme that, if all goes well, could see Chris Casper's men catapult themselves onto the edge of the promotion play-off places.

A Boxing Day clash against second placed Grimsby Town (3pm) is followed by a derby cracker at Rochdale on Wednesday, December 28 (7.45pm).

It's back to Gigg Lane again on New Year's Eve Saturday (3pm) before the quartet of fixtures is concluded with a trip to Peterborough United on January 2 (3pm).

Two superb victories in the last two games, at high-flying Leyton Orient and against leaders Wycombe Wanderers last Saturday, have given the squad a massive confidence-boost and Casper reckons that, with players coming back to fitness, further progress up the table can be made.

"We've got to build on those wins and not let those kind of performances go to waste," he said.

"The belief should be there now, we beat a very good team in Wycombe and Grimsby are another one, it's a massive game for us.

"We have to show the same kind of effort and workrate and match them for commitment."

Russell Slade's side have an enviable record on their travels, having lost only once in the league, at Wycombe, midway through November.

However, their match at Darlington on Saturday was frozen off and the previous week they went down to a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Bristol Rovers.

The Shakers' hopes of continuing the Mariner's barren run have been boosted with the news that injured striker Jake Speight should be fit after limping off with an ankle problem against Wycombe as should defender Colin Woodthorpe who also didn't make the full 90 minutes because of a side strain.

There's further good news in that front man Allan Smart (knee) is back in contention though midfielder Dwayne Mattis (ankle) maybe just short for the Boxing Day match.

"It's all about having a fit squad at this time of year," explained Casper.

"The players have to be prepared for some tough shifts and hard work.

"We've had a good chat about it and they understand that.

"The Christmas schedule has been arranged and rest and recuperation are as important a factor as anything.

"Jimmy (Petruzzi, conditioning coach) and Joe (Hinnegan, physiotherapist) are going to be playing a big role in the next week or two making sure everyone is recovered.

"It's up to the players to be honest with us and let us know how they are feeling and what they think they need."

Having said that the Bury boss reckons the four game fixture sequence is a little over-the-top even for a holiday period.

"I think it's a tough ask and I don't really see the need for it" he added.

"I appreciate people want to watch football over Christmas but I think it's asking a little too much of the players.

"But, you have to get on with it. It's the same for everyone else and it's all part of the game."

The players will be training as normal on Christmas Day as Casper and his team keep the squad focused and in top condition for the Grimsby clash.

"Talk is cheap but we have proved we can beat the best team in the league," he said.

"Now we have to move forward, not rest on our laurels and put in more performances like the second half on Saturday."

One player who is confident good times are just around the corner is influential midfielder Brian Barry-Murphy.

The Irishman, whose 87th minute corner was headed home by Paul Scott for the equaliser on Saturday, believes the Gigg Lane men are well capable of forcing themselves into the promotion shake-up.

"Some players don't like to speculate on what their teams might do but I honestly believe we have nothing to fear in this league," he said.

"I don't rule out us finishing in the play-offs and I've thought that ever since we beat Mansfield away last month.

"New lads who have come in, like Jake Speight and Danny Reet, are confidence players who give us something different.

"They give us an edge that we haven't had for a while, hopefully we'll sneak up the table quietly."