CARL Macauley has confirmed he will try to sign a defender to cover Anthony Brown’s absence through injury.

The former Burscough man left the field on a stretcher during the first half of Tuesday’s goalless draw with Stocksbridge after landing awkwardly and hurting his knee.

It is still too early to tell how long the 25-year-old will be missing, although Witton’s manager told the Guardian he is already planning for next weekend’s FA Trophy tie at Colwyn Bay without him.

He added: “It’s a massive blow for us because Anthony is one of our leaders out on the pitch.

“We’ll know more about the extent of the damage soon.

“I think we’ll have to get somebody in as a replacement; the squad is small as it is, and we knew that going into the season.”

Meanwhile the former Maine boss said a stalemate with Stocksbridge was probably the right result, but admitted to some regret following his side’s improved showing after half time.

A draw keeps them fourth in the Northern Premier League’s Division One South, five points adrift of leaders Shaw Lane with three games in hand.

“I wasn’t happy with how we started,” said Macauley.

“We were sloppy, and didn’t pass the ball well or play at the tempo we know we can.

“The players deserve credit for doing what I asked of them in the second half; we were better, and looked much more likely to score than they did.

“Look at their reaction at full time, they were made up with a point. They’re strong though, and a good side.

“We’d looked at the two games this week and targeted four points, particularly as we were on an artificial pitch at Bedworth.

“We’ve done that, and I’m pleased.”

He told the Guardian that Port Vale have recalled midfielder Billy Reeves following his initial month-long loan stay.

George Miller, a teenage striker borrowed from Bury, has gone back to Gigg Lane too.