MARK Patterson has boosted his meagre squad by two players but will still be down to the bare bones for tonight's rearranged FA Umbro Trophy clash with Vauxhall Motors writes David Magilton

The new boss at Hilton Park has signed right-sided midfielder Chris Dawson and goalkeeper Gavin Bates and hopes to add a third by Thursday with the signature of a Sheffield United midfielder.

Dawson, who has returned to this country after coaching in the United States, will be understudy to Stuart Coburn, while 23-year-old Dawson was previously on Bolton Wanderers' books.

Unfortunately the two players are cup-tied for tonight's clash with the Unibond Premier Division cup giant-killers, leaving Patterson with just two substitutes on the bench.

"I am down to only 13 players and that includes myself, but I hope that I don't have to turn out," admitted Patterson.

Striker Dino Maamria returns to the side after being kept on the sidelines with a leg injury since December 14.

But that is the only good news as Ged Kielty and Neil Durkin are both suspended, while Doncaster have refused permission for loan signing Danny Bent to play.

Leigh's reward for victory tonight will be a fourth round trip to Ryman League Division One South club Windsor and Eaton on February 1.

The Railwaymen will take on Flixton next Tuesday in the Marsden Lancashire Trophy, provided there is no replay from the Umbro Trophy.

If successful Leigh will travel to either Rossendale or Marine in the next round, scheduled for a week later.