SHAKERS' boss Andy Preece is pulling out all the stops in an effort to bring a new central defender to Gigg Lane.

Injury, suspension and a reduction in squad numbers mean the Bury manager has been left worryingly bereft of cover in the vital position and is desperate to get someone in sooner rather than later.

And with another tricky away match on the horizon at Cambridge United on Saturday, he will be keen to get any new replacement bedded in as soon as possible.

Loan signing Greg Strong has returned to Hull City, Danny Swailes is suffering a hamstring strain while both Lee Unsworth and Colin Woodthorpe are scheduled for suspensions.

In fact, so stretched are the club's defensive resources that first year youth team player John Cartledge was on the substitutes bench at Torquay.

The 3-1 defeat at Plainmoor was doubly disappointing for the Bury manager given the improved display against York City four days earlier.

It was the club's sixth defeat in seven away games -- a worrying statistic that needs addressing quickly if it's not to be a long hard campaign at the wrong end of Division Three.

And according to Preece, lack of communication is part of his side's troubles.

"We are a very quiet team, we really need to talk and help each other," he said.

"Some of the younger players need to take that on board, once we do we'll improve as a team.

"We'll be working on everything this week. On the things we are good at and our weaknesses. We have to pass the ball better and communicate."

But one of the few bright points from the game was the continuation of Chris Porter's goalscoring form.

The young Shakers striker hit his fourth of the season and increasingly looks the kind of 'box player' that could help himself to a sizeable number of goals as long as the chances keep coming along.

"Chris's goalscoring record is excellent," added Preece.

"We need to keep working on other sides of his game like winning headers, holding the ball up, knowing when to give the ball and when to turn.

"We'll keep working with him and I've no doubt he'll continue to improve.

"I'm delighted he's got four goals so far this season, he's done really well."