KENDAL Town boss Lee Ashcroft said new faces were needed after a tough week in which his side were knocked out of two cup competitions.

The former West Brom player claimed the standard of play was not high enough and he would be bringing in up to three new players - a centre-forward, midfielder and a winger - before the weekend clash with Grantham Town at the Cozyseal Stadium.

After the 2-0 home defeat to Cammell Laird in the FA Trophy, Ashcroft claimed injuries were no excuse: “There were people on that pitch who should be good enough to cope with Cammell Laird - obviously they are not and they will be looking for new clubs.

“I could have said it’s because we have had six or seven players out but that isn’t the case. It was unacceptable. They were scared to death - never wanted the ball and two or three were nowhere near good enough and they’ll be moving on.

“Whether they were tired from Sunday’s game (3-1 FA Cup defeat against FC United of Manchester), but still there’s 48 hours to recover. We didn’t deserve to get anything out of the game. We had two or three half chances but nowhere near what we’re expecting at this level.

“There aren’t enough characters in the side - the dressing room was quiet at half time. Money ties our hands somewhat but there will be people going to release a bit of cash. Hopefully by Friday I’ll have three new additions.”

Ashcroft picked out his captain Alex Randell as one plus to come out of the game against Cammell.

“He didn’t have the best of games with the ball at his feet but he will be the first name on my team sheet at the moment just because you know you’ve been in a game when you’ve played against him.”

Reflecting on the FA Cup exit at the hands of FC United, he added: “In the first half we worked really, really hard but when two of my players have to come off injured it causes problems.”

And the manager reiterated his belief that this season was all about survival “I said before the first ball was kicked this season it is going to be difficult - I know this league, I know how it works. But I’ve got to get a team together that can get through this season. If I could have my (first-choice) eleven out we’d be alright - it’s just been an absolute nightmare period with a freak of injuries.”