SHAKERS boss Graham Barrow reckons there's still work to do on the training pitch before Yeovil arrive at Gigg on the opening day of the new season.

The manager spotted a few problems that need addressing during Saturday's 4-0 defeat by a strong Wigan Athletic outfit, though, to be fair, his side were without their regular goalkeeper and three of last season's first choice defenders.

Nevertheless, coming hard on the heels of a solid display against Manchester City last Wednesday, the Shakers paid a high price for some sloppy defending and a lack of a cutting edge in the final third of the field.

And it's something Barrow is keen to put right as soon as possible - even if it means bringing in a further recruit.

"I warned the lads that this would be tougher than the Manchester City game," he said.

"Wigan only just missed out on the Premiership last season and are a very strong side.

"It was an 'after the Lord Mayor's Show' match and it's just a pity we didn't have our strongest team out against them.

"We were caught out defensively and it highlights that without Danny Swailes, Dave Challinor and Glyn Garner we have problems - as any team would.

"After that early spell when the game wasn't going anywhere their strikers showed their worth and both their penalties were won by good play.

"There are no excuses for some things and I wasn't happy with the scoreline but I think there may have been a bit of tiredness there."

The Shakers boss hasn't ruled out bringing in another defender to bolster his options if need be.

"I think our best eleven are a match for anyone in our division," he declared.

"But the cover situation at the back does concern me. I think we possibly need another centre-back or a versatile player who can go in there for us.

"That would release Lee Unsworth to the right and allow Matt Barrass to sweep.

"We are stronger on the left, Colin Woodthorpe's best position would be left of the back three with Tom Kennedy and Brian Barry-Murphy inside.

"We will have to see what happens. We may have to look at one or two trialists or even a loan player."

The Shakers are all set to face a strong Blackburn Rovers side on Tuesday in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Rovers' Brockhall training facility. They then take on Nationwide Conference North outfit Stalybridge Celtic away on Saturday afternoon.

"We'll be able to stop and start the game at Blackburn and that will allow us to have a look at a few things," he added.

"Even the other night against City our final pass was poor and it was poor against Wigan too.

"The balls we play to Graeme Jones, Jon Newby and Dave Nugent have got to be different. Dwayne Mattis also got himself into some good positions but didn't receive the ball, we could do better there.

"Our possession around the edge of the box needs to improve, we have to be more patient.

"It's all work that can be put right on the training pitch. It's not the end of the world and we've two weeks to go before the season starts."

On the plus side, midfielder Terry Dunfield got in his first 90 minutes since arriving back from international duty with Canada and Barrow noted promising displays from new signing Brian Barry-Murphy and trialist goalkeeper Greg Smith.

"I was very pleased with Brian (Barry-Murphy), he showed the best attitude and didn't let his standards drop whether it was 1-0 or 4-0," he said.

"That's the sort of attitude we are looking for and that's got to be addressed.

"Greg didn't let himself down either and you couldn't fault him. When he saved the penalty I thought one of our players may have nipped in and helped him out.

"He is only a kid and is worth persevering with."