A CENTRAL defender and winger are on manager Paul West’s shopping list as he attempts to steer Evesham United up the table.

Despite a budget cut at the Spiers and Hartwell Jubilee Stadium, West is still trying to wheel and deal ahead of Saturday’s home match against Cirencester Town (3pm).

He is keen to draft in players to provide competition for the starting XI and ensure nobody takes their place in the team for granted.

Seven-day approaches have been made for two unnamed players, while West would also like a goalkeeper as cover for Tom Cross.

The need for new recruits has been heightened by the postponements against Wimborne Town and Poole Town in the last week, which could create a fixture pile-up when both games are rearranged.

West said: “I think we need healthy competition for places and that’s what we have got to try and create.

“You govern the side by what’s on the bench and there have been too many times when there hasn’t been enough quality there to keep people on their toes.”

He added: “I am delighted with the players’ attitude and the overall atmosphere of the group but to make it work you have got to have good competition to make sure people keep their shirts.

“A month ago we only had one mid-week game so I wasn’t worried about the size of the squad but, with all of these cancellations, we will be playing twice a week.

“We need to be careful we are not down to the bare bones.”

Evesham have not played since the 1-1 draw at Clevedon Town on January 12 and are yet to play at home in 2013.

However, the Cirencester match, weather permitting, is the first of three home Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West fixtures in a row with Mangotsfield United and Abingdon United still to visit.

Left-back Jamie Hyde is expected to be fit to face the Centurions after sustaining a calf injury at Clevedon.