WEYMOUTH are actively scanning the player market for a defender to ease a sudden shortage in their defensive ranks.

Ahead of the visit to Chelmsford City on Saturday, Weymouth have a minimum of four defenders missing.

Joe Cook yesterday returned to Dorking, Calvin Brooks (knee) is out, while Teddy Howe serves the second of a two-game suspension and Anthony Cheshire’s loan at Bracknell still has a week left to run.

Weymouth are also waiting to confirm whether a yellow card for Charlie Rowan, picked up in the 4-3 win over Hemel, triggers his own two-game suspension.

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Terras’ boss Bobby Wilkinson did sign Swansea City talent Harry Jones prior to the Hemel game but he is one of only three available defenders including left-back Leo Hamblin and centre-back Jordon Thompson.

Assessing his defensive dilemma, Wilkinson told Echosport: “We’ve picked up another suspension, so can I get one more in the door this week?

“I’ve been trying hard. If I can pull out the one I’m trying to get, it would be a hell of a signing. We’ll be doing everything in our power to get him in.”

Wilkinson added: “I have to go back to the drawing board now. If Charlie’s out, we’re another man light.

“I’ve got to bring in a player, I’ve spoken to two and if I can get one it would be fantastic. I’ll start ringing every club I know to bring a centre-half in.”

Meanwhile, Jones endured a testing debut after being booked for a rash tackle in the 10th minute and substituted in the 56th for Keelan O’Connell, who went on to score the winner against Hemel.

Wilkinson said: “I really felt for him, he was against a very good winger. A home debut, a young lad but he still did well.

“Very tricky to come in to that, don’t judge him on that, he’s a very good player and we’re very lucky we’ve got him.

“Did I want to bring him off? I had to make the changes. That’s what kills you when you’ve got Teddy suspended. I had to try something.”