WESTBURY United joint-manager Neil Kirkpatrick has put a seven-day notice in for a defender and a midfielder amid his search to boost squad numbers in the wake of several players withdrawing their first-team services.

United lost two more players to injury during Saturday’s 2-1 Toolstation League Premier Division defeat to Hallen – a result which dropped them down to ninth.

No secret has been made by Kirkpatrick with regards to the funds he has available at his disposal.

He even claimed one of United’s Premier Division rivals offered an unnamed player a weekly fee equivalent to a sum used to fund half of Westbury’s team.

Therefore, Kirkpatrick’s son and fellow joint-manager, Joe, is casting a strong eye over the best talent in Division One – with an eye to adding numbers across the pitch prior to the club’s busy Christmas schedule,

Neil Kirkpatrick said: “We’re down to the bare bones now.

“The squad is too small. I’m happy with what we’ve got, but we need to bring in the right type of player.

“I’d like another striker too. One from each area will add some competition and ease the pressure on us not being able to afford injuries.

“We’re not going to attract players from wider afield when they’re earning good money elsewhere.

“We’ll look at Division One. There are a lot of good players in that league that have the ability to play at a higher level if their attitude is right.”

On the pitch, Kirkpatrick praised Hallen’s defensive determination as dominant Westbury were left to reflect on dropped points following their defeat last weekend.

Although Ricky Hulbert gave United the lead, Matt Davis and Kyle Thomas struck for Hallen.

Kirkpatrick added: “Hallen scored two well-taken goals that were perhaps preventable in the build-up.”

Elsewhere, leaders Bradford Town kept up their flying form with a 5-0 win away at Street last Saturday.

Gary Higdon struck twice, while there were also goals for Will Hailston, Tyson Pollard and Lewis Powell.

Bradford are in FA Vase action this weekend and host Bridgwater Town in the third round.