Bay boss hopeful of filling the void.

Byline: TIM CHANNON

COLWYN Bay manager Neil Young is very hopeful he will have at least one new signing on board for tonight's home game against Warrington Town (7.45pm), when victory would put the Seagulls four points clear at the top of the Unibond Division One North table.

That opportunity arises because second-placed Halifax are without a game due to scheduled opponents Bamber Bridge having an FA Trophy replay.

Warrington, however, will be tough opponents. They have had some excellent results recently, including a 5-2 win over Sheffield FC in the FA Trophy last weekend, and have won five of their last eight games.

Colwyn Bay will have to make changes following their tame exit from the FA Trophy last Saturday, with top scorer Rob Hopley (knee ligaments) a long term casualty and defender Tim Brandreth (pulled calf muscle) rated very doubtful.

But on the back of Saturday's cup defeat, manager Neil Young says he wants to bring in three or four new players.

"Losing our leading scorer is a blow and we are all keeping our fingers crossed that the initial diagnosis that Rob may not play again is proved wrong and that the specialist will have more encouraging news following a scan scheduled for next week," said the manager.

The manager is talking to a couple of forward players and last night reported he was close to completing a loan deal on a striker for the rest of the season.

He has also put in seven days notice for a central defender.

Meanwhile, Anthony Sheehan may fill in for Tim Brandreth at the back as a sweeper tonight.