West taking his time over forward

7:30pm Thursday 7th August 2008

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EVESHAM United manager Paul West insists there is no panic to bolster the squad before next Saturday’s season opener at Bedford Town.

The Robins have added two new faces to their ranks in defender Michael Batchelor and former Exeter midfielder Liam Sercombe with both impressing.

West is continuing his search for striker Mark Owen’s replacement but is quite happy to take his squad as it is to Bedworth for Saturday’s final pre-season friendly (3pm).

He said: “There’s no panic in trying to bring any more players in at this stage but I am sure that’s something I will be doing in the next couple of months.

“I still feel we need a tried-and-tested forward so we are on the look-out.

“It’s the last game in our preparation but I know the majority of players from last season.

“I haven’t been in a position to make big changes. I know a lot of the players’ capabilities and it’s important to make sure they are not taking anything for granted.”

Evesham were beaten 3-1 by Blue Square Premier outfit Forest Green Rovers last Saturday and won 5-0 at Pilkington on Tuesday, leaving the manager pleased with both performances.

West said: “In terms of preparation, the games have gone how I thought they would. It was a tough game on Saturday.

“They were an excellent side and what we wanted in terms of a work-out.”

Defender Danny Hodnett should be fit to face Bedworth after fears he damaged knee ligaments against Forest Green proved premature, while midfielder Paul Bonar has left the club.

Meanwhile, Bromsgrove Rovers complete their pre-season programme against AFC Totton at the Victoria Ground hoping for better luck on the injury front (3pm).

Striker Luke Reynolds, sent off against Evesham last month, hobbled off with a shin problem just seven minutes into the 4-0 defeat against Dagenham and Redbridge at the weekend.

The setback denied manager Duane Darby the chance to run the rule over Reynolds alongside new signing Jermaine Clarke.