Dereham Town boss Matt Henman is expecting a Boxing Day battle at Bury, writes Rene Kendal.

The Magpies, unbeaten in seven Ryman League North matches, sit ninth going into this afternoon's festive fixture at Ram Meadow, which kicks-off at 1pm.

Their opponents are two places higher, despite having played three matches less, and Henman is well aware that his men are in for a tough clash.

The Dereham boss said: 'We will be looking to keep our run going and will be expecting a close game.

'If we can maintain our current level of performance then we should achieve a result.'

Matt Howard will return for the Magpies and it is hoped that Lewis Butcher will be fit.

Sam Borrer, Ryan Crisp and Luke Winter are, however, missing from the travelling playing party.

Bury warmed up for the match by losing 1-0 at home to Thamesmead Town at the weekend while Dereham drew 2-2 at home with high-flying Thurrock.

Ross Wall had given Thurrock the lead when he was the first to react and slotted a loose ball home with 18 minutes on the clock.

Luke Tuttle struck two penalties to put the hosts in control but David Cowley netted an 84th-minute equaliser.