However, the Blues aim to change that and halt a run of three successive Ryman League Division One North defeats when they entertain Arlesey Town at Ram Meadow tomorrow (ko 3pm).

Team manager Richard Wilkins is looking for a repeat of his side's Boxing Day performance – except he wants them to walk off the pitch with a much-needed win.

The 1-0 defeat by neighbours AFC Sudbury saw Bury record a second reverse in five days following a 3-0 home defeat against Wingate & Finchley on Saturday.

"Although we were below par at home, we deserved much more against Sudbury," said the Town team chief.

"We were without doubt the better side and outplayed them for long periods of the game.

"It is no coincidence that their keeper was voted man-of-the-match," added Wilkins.

He went on to praise his side, marking out fine individual performances from Gavin Johnson and Michael Steward in midfield, who were well- supported by team captain Tom Bullard and Sam Nunn in the centre of the back line. At the front, Scott Chaplin, returning to action from Stafford University, also made an impression.

"I couldn't fault our commitment. There were so many positives from the game and now we must take them over to our home game tomorrow," said Wilkins.

Again, the Blues boss is forced to make changes to his starting line-up as Bullard and Sam Reed are both sidelined through suspension following five yellow-card bookings.

Wilkins hopes to reintroduce Ipswich Town FC scholarship player Liam Barrett, who made a second-half debut against Wingate & Finchley but was unavailable for the derby clash due to illness.

The 18-year-old joined the club late last week and the attacking midfielder showed some good touches in his brief debut appearance.

Danny Cornwell, who missed the Sudbury trip due to family illness, also becomes available for slection.

"We will have to rejig again, but I will tell the players that the standard has been set and I want them to take the positives from the game and continue them in front of a home crowd," said Wilkins.

"I know we are good enough to win these games and now I want the players to show it," he added.