HALESOWEN Town assistant Matt Clarke says the club is working hard to freshen up the squad ahead of this Saturday's crucial trip to fellow strugglers Whitby.

The Yeltz suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Lancaster City last weekend as their losing run extended to four games.

However, Clarke and manager John Hill are keen to add to their options in both defence and attack in an attempt to hand their team renewed emphasis for the relegation scrap ahead.

The assistant manager explained: "We have been trying all week to get some new signings in because we are short on numbers and it also needs freshening up now.

"It's clear the squad is in need of a boost and hopefully we can get a few deals over the line before the weekend. We're looking at loan options as well so we have a few irons in the fire.

"It hasn't been easy because players see where you are in the league and don't want to come. It has to be right or both parties.

"We are also struggling to find the right formation for the personnel that we have so hopefully that can be made easier if we can get in a few extra options.

"It's clear that we don't score enough and are conceding too many. Those are the two areas that we want to improve."

On the Lancaster loss, he added: "We'd had two good training sessions and went into the game confident that we could come away with something.

"(New coach) Richard Sneekes has had a good impact on the lads and has really helped us.

"We didn't start well though and had to change the formation a little. That worked and we did okay for a spell but ultimately we just weren't good enough."

The Yeltz now head to Whitby Town this Saturday, who sit just two places and five points above.

"We've just got to keep working hard," said Clarke. "Our results show that we are maybe struggling for confidence at the moment and there are a few individuals that are disappointed with their own performances.

"The players do need to look at themselves and try to put it right. We do still believe in them and they know they are better than what they have shown recently."

Brad Lewis will miss the trip to Whitby with a hamstring issue and Jordan Goddard is also a doubt with the same problem. Defender Exodus Geohaghon also picked up a knock against City and will be assessed before the weekend.