BRENDON King’s search for emergency cover at the back continues after seeing a loan bid for Arran Pugh fall through.

The Terras will be without Ed Palmer, Sam Poole and Kyle Critchell for this Saturday’s home clash against Cambridge City due to suspensions, and are desperate to find a recognised centre-back to step in.

Dorchester Town’s Pugh looked the ideal candidate but with Nathan Walker picking up a fourth booking at the weekend and so many big games coming up for the county town outfit that idea has been knocked on the head.

King told Echosport: “It was something we were looking at but not now.

“Nathan Walker picked up a caution on Saturday and is now just one away from a suspension, as is Charlie Clough, so that one is now a non-starter.

“It is far from ideal having three of your regular back four missing and it is something that would test any club but all we can do, is get on with it.

“There is a bit of scope to bring one player in and we are working hard to try and do that, but we are also going to have to switch things around to fill the gaps.

“Barry will be back this weekend and will probably have to play at centre-half while Scott Walker may have to play at left-back.

“Facing Cambridge City is tough enough as it is, let alone in these circumstances, but there is little else we can do.”

Dorchester manager Phil Simkin added: “Arran will be playing quite a few games so there is no chance of him going out on loan now.

“He has actually been very unlucky. He is a really good player but the fact is the two centre-backs that have the shirts at the minute are performing superbly.”

One positive for King is the return to fitness of Ashley Wells. The right-back made his first appearance in last Saturday’s 3-2 win over St Albans City since recovering from a broken ankle and the Weymouth boss was delighted with his display.

He added: “Ash was a bit tired afterwards but to come back in after such a long time out and put in a performance like he did was just fantastic – it’s great to see him back.”