SOUTHPORT 1, SHAKERS 0: Chris Casper has told his side they need to buck up their ideas before the big kick-off next weekend against MK Dons.
The Shakers all but disappeared after a bright opening period, leaving Conference boys Southport to claim a late winner through substitute Robbie Booth.
And the Bury boss has warned that if his side produce a similar show at the National Hockey Stadium in six days time, they cannot expect to leave with any points.
"It was very frustrating. We could have been four or five-nil up in the first half and then in the second half we didn't turn up," admitted Casper, who played his strongest available 11 at Haigh Avenue.
"I thought it was a little bit harsh to lose the game, but at least we have seen both the good side and the bad side of our team.
"If we turn up at MK Dons and play like we did in the second half then we will struggle."
Southport won the game six minutes from time with a neat side-footed finish from Booth, but there was still time for substitute Jake Speight to miss and open goal after a fine cross from Marc Goodfellow.
Alan Fettis, Tom Youngs and Colin Woodthorpe were missing with minor injuries, but all should be fit to return next week.
Bury: Grundy; Scott; Brass; Fitzgerald; Challinor; Barry-Murphy; Flitcroft (Pugh 71); Goodfellow; Mattis; Tipton (Speight 79); Bishop.
Southport 1 Bury 0
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