Avenue boss Carl Shutt has named only a provisional squad for the Conference North roses clash at Lancaster City because he wants to unveil two new players.

A big forward and a central midfielder are his targets and one has trained with the side this week. Shutt is hoping he can clinch a deal with both in time for them to be included in the travelling party.

"We have missed out on a couple of players in the last week but the signs are more encouraging with the two lads I have in mind," said the Avenue manager who was not naming names.

One player not making the journey to Lancaster is forward Allan Pearce. The former New Zealand international headed back to his homeland yesterday after being offered a full-time contract.

Pearce will be missed. He looked like recapturing the form that earned him a scholarship with Barnsley as a youth. His decision to return to New Zealand leaves Avenue short in the forward department.

"I think we are short in every area but that is the way when you are operating with a small squad of players," said Shutt.

"We have been working hard to get people in but with loan deals you are always likely to lose your players back to their club. We have seen that with Stockport County's Philip Reilly.

"The two lads from Wigan went back this week after their short spell with us. That is why we are trying to tie up players on permanent moves but it is difficult, especially at this stage of the season.

"It is not the best time in the transfer market, clubs are not releasing and players are still holding out trying to establish themselves. After the turn of the year there will be more people looking for fresh clubs."

Avenue's three-match unbeaten run was ended with the midweek West Riding County Cup defeat at Guiseley. They had a young side out for that game but Shutt will revert to his established players for tomorrow's game.

Bradford Park Avenue: Britton, Quinn, Clayton, Walsh, Jones, Crossley, Sheriffe, Lennon, Oleksewycz, Smith, Greaves, Brompton, Mumbly, O'Brien, Shutt, Cressey.