ENLARGING the playing squad is something Porthleven boss Dennis Annear hopes will happen over the next few weeks.

The Fishermen’s manager also said he would not give up on trying to convince Charlie Young to come and play for the first team at Gala Parc.

For their clash on Saturday at Kernick Road against Penryn Athletic, the South West Peninsula League West side turned up with just 12 players, one of whom was Annear himself.

Another squad member was midfielder Elliot Jorey, who signed in the morning for Port from Athletic after they sportingly waived the seven day approach to allow him to bolster the visitor’s side.

It is not the first time Port have turned up to a match with a small squad, but Annear said things are set to change.

“It was a bit unfortunate on Saturday as we started the day with 13 players,” he said.

“But then Jed McCardie fell ill in the morning and another lad who went AWOL so you’re then down to 11 and I’m the sub, which is not good.

“Hopefully it will improve in the next few weeks as Matt Best is coming back to training, Jed should hopefully be fit again in the week and we also have another lad who has come back from uni coming to train with us, so we’ll have a look at him.

“If everything works out, we’ll be going up to Vospers Oak Villa with a nice full squad, which will be good.”

During the week, it was confirmed Young had joined the club after leaving Helston Athletic.

The midfielder has so far only signed to play for the reserve team in the Jolly’s Combination League.

Annear said he would be delighted if Young agreed to step up to the first team, but admitted his advances had so far not worked.

“I have spoken to him and he has flatly said he’s here to help the reserves out,” Annear said.

“He is a quality player and I’ll always be sniffing around, putting the form under his nose to sign on, but he’s got to be happy and it is his decision.

“Charlie is a big asset to have at the club in general.

“He’ll be tremendous for the Combo side, which hopefully with his skill and experience will help galvanise the team.”