Avenue boss John Deacey has been cool and calculating in his transfer dealings as he shapes the squad at Horsfall.

Two debutants played against FC Halifax Town on Monday night and two more are expected to arrive in time for tomorrow’s game.

Others have gone out in order for Deacey to free up enough of the budget to cover the wages of incoming players.

The club still have promotion ambitions and, coming towards the end of January, the manager has a finite amount of time to conduct his business.

There is no transfer window for the semi-professional outfits but the sooner Deacey gets the squad he wants the better.

“There have been quite a few changes this last fortnight, and even more going back to when I came back in, but we can’t hang around,” said Deacey.

“Because of all the problems with the weather, we are nowhere near as far on with the season as we should be at this stage. There are 18 games left so there are plenty of points to play for.

“We have set ourselves little targets along the way as a guideline. We really have to go for it because it is still attainable.

“There are two tough games coming up (tomorrow against Buxton and next Saturday against Burscough) but they are both at home. In fact, we have 14 home games left so we really want to capitalise on that.

“It was nice to see a big crowd for the Halifax game and we want to give our fans plenty to cheer but we need to find better home form to do that.”

The home defeat to leaders Halifax was the second on the bounce following second-placed Colwyn Bay’s win at Horsfall.

The only other game Avenue have lost under Deacey was at Gigg Lane, when FC United of Manchester scored twice in the last seven minutes to snatch three points.

Deacey said: “We have had a tough run really but you have all the teams to play during the season so you get on with it. The division is tight and teams are beating each other.

“Halifax are a very good side and they are heading for the title but the rest are more evenly matched. Everybody is taking points off each other so no club can say they will get a certain amount of points.

“I have a total in my mind that I think will be good enough to secure us a play-off place and know we can reach that total.”