ROSSENDALE United manager Paul Lynch is hoping to secure the services of Lee Duffy for another month.

The last game of the Rochdale midfield man's current loan spell is this Saturday when Witton Albion are the visitors to Dark Lane for a UniBond Division One clash.

But despite Steve Parkin taking over as the new manager at Spotland since Duffy joined Dale in December, Lynch is confident the 21-year-old will extend his stay for another month.

"He's done really well for us. He's only played four or five games and scored twice so we definitely want to keep him," said Lynch.

"His loan deal is up next Friday so I'm going to speak to Steve Parkin. It's a case of whether he will be involved in the first team at Rochdale, but I think he wants to stay with us.

"He's a fit lad and has everything you would expect from a full time professional."

Even if Duff's loan is extended, Lynch needs more cover in midfield and is looking for another couple of players to help him out for a month.

"We're down to the bare bones in the middle," he said. "Only Dave Gamble and Chris Brooks are fit in that area and that's a problem because they are both ball players.

"I need someone who can break things up, especially when we play away from home.

"I could do with another defender just as cover but midfield is the priority."

At least Lynch won't have to worry about his side's woeful form on their travels for the next two weeks as the Witton visit is followed by a home game with Bridlington Town next Saturday.

But that's not stopping the boss from continuing to bemoan his side's lack of results on the road, the latest defeat coming at Chorley last Saturday.

He added: "Away from home, we can't even win a game of tiddlywinks, never mind a game of football!

"It's a mental thing now and we need to do something about it, but I'm not sure what.

"We were absolutely gutted at Chorley. The performance was spot on and the amount of chances we missed was unbelievable. David Felgate had a blinder in goal and if we were still playing now, we wouldn't have scored yet.

"It was one of those days. We hit the post three times, the bar, everything expect the back of the net.

"After the game I was sat in the changing rooms and I didn't know what to say to the players and they didn't know what to say to me. It was just like, 'how the hell have we lost that game?'

"Nine times out of 10 we'd have won that game, and at home we would have. We've beaten all the top teams at home so there's no reason for us to fear Witton on Saturday.

"But we win at home then lose away so it's one step forward and one step back, which is why we're still down in 16th. We want to get in the Premier Division up so we have to start winning away to get in that top 13."

Gregg Challender is suspended for the visit of Witton and Doni Clarke is also out with a thigh strain.

Meanwhile, Scott Wilson, who has been out of favour recently, has had his request to leave the club accepted.

Nelson flying the flag