The Dolly Blues have conceded seven goals in two games and manager Barrie Stimpson urgently needs to sign a defender before the transfer window closes.

He said: "We really need competition for places at centre-back. I have two honest lads who we are patching up and playing and they are working hard. Swanny (Iain Swann) is out injured for a long time, and he is our big, six foot two centre-half. We need someone not only with his experience but also his aura."

Tuesday night's defeat at home to Skelmersdale further highlighted the defensive problems at Giant Axe.

Stimpson added: "As a group we defended poorly. We will work hard and try to find a solution in training on Thursday."

The transfer window closes on September 1 and Stimpson has his work cut out finding a centre back."I need a squad of 18-20 good players to win the league," he said.

"I have got names in mind and I have spoken to other clubs but there seems to be an epidemic of injured centre-backs at the moment."

However there is no doom and gloom atmosphere around Giant Axe.

Stimpson said: "We have three points, we know we will create chances and we have scored five goals in two games."

Saturday's opponents were thrown out of the Blue Square Premier League after incurring massive debts.

Despite losing their first game of the season they bounced back on Tuesday beating Trafford.

Stimpson said: "They will have the fire power to challenge for the league come the end of the season."

Overall Stimpson is happy with the state of his squad and he was able to field a very strong bench against Harrogate including the experienced pair of Neil Uberschar and Mark Jackson.

Stimpson said: "People always say having a squad with options is a good problem to have but Aaron (Helliwell) had a great pre-season and Ubey (Uberschar) was captain at times last year and I have got to say to these lads 'you're on the bench'.

"The squad looks good and these guys will all play a big part this season."