CHORLEY boss Shaun Teale is to raid the transfer market in a bid to halt his side's alarming slump in form as they prepare what he calls "three cup finals".

Just a month ago things were looking rosy for the Magpies after a six match unbeaten run stretching back to the new year when Teale took over and the possibility of a place among the UniBond First Division play-offs was being touted among the more optimisitic fans.

Since then, four defeats in a row, Chorley's longest run of the season without points, has seen the team fall right back into the relegation battle.

They are now third from bottom in the table, just five points clear of Rossendale United having played the same number of games before last night when Rossendale were due to play Clitheroe.

But they could virtually guarantee safety by winning their next three matches, each against fellow strugglers. Warrington Town visit Victory Park on Saturday while bottom club Rocester will be the visitors on Good Friday for a match which will kick off at 7.45pm. Two days later Chorley travel to Rossendale.

Shaun Teale was this week preparing to raid the transfer market after hitting out at the team's recent performances.

He said: "They have let the club down, they let the fans down and they let themselves down.

"We have been conceding too many goals and in our last two games we were 3-0 down at half-time.

"I know some of our recent opposition were among the division's top teams, but at least two of our defeats were down to us, giving away goals - this after having the chance to take an early lead.

"One massive worry is the fact that we have had a fair few chances and not taken them.

"This has got to stop, because our next three games are cup finals with so much at stake."

Teale casted his eyes over several experienced players from a higher level when Chorley took on Unibond Premier side Radcliffe Borough in a friendly at Victory Park last night (Tuesday).

He is also considering bringing in a new goalkeeper as cover for John Gillies who has put in some inconsistent performances lately.

A midfielder could also be on his list as John Borland has left the club after claiming that travelling from his Bradford home three times a week was becoming a strain.