GIGG Lane was alive to the sound of closing suitcases this week as two more players packed the bags and headed for pastures new in loan deal.

Shaun Reid and Stuart Bimson are the latest members of the sizeable Shakers squad to ply their trade away from Gigg following Phil Stant's temporary move to Northampton Town last week.

Midfielder Reid has joined Third Division Chester City and made his debut in Tuesday night's 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Cardiff City.

Bimson, meanwhile, has also dropped down a division to sign for John Beck's Lincoln City and will go straight into the squad that travels down to Colchester United on Saturday. Both deals could lead to permanent transfers.

The rest of the high-flying Shakers contingent head for the West Country tomorrow when they face Bristol Rovers at their new base, Bristol RUFC's Memorial Ground.

Manager Stan Ternent has injury doubts over Ian Hughes and Ronnie Jepson but could stand by the team that got back to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

Winnie Steele and Gordon Armstrong were on target for the reserves on Wednesday evening in the Shakers 2-1 Pontins League victory over Doncaster Rovers.

Supporters travelling to Bristol should note that admission to the Memorial Ground is by ticket only. The club have been allocated 740 standing tickets priced £8 and these will be on sale at the Commercial Department until 4pm today.

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