Neil Young says adding height to his Chester FC squad has become a priority as he looks for a way to cure his side’s defensive ills.

The Blues were again undone by set pieces as they went down 2-1 at FC Halifax Town on Saturday, and remain in the Skrill Premier’s bottom four, with just eight points taken from 12 games so far.

Young has been left frustrated in his attempts to add experience and quality to his ranks, though is understood to be keen on bringing in at least one new face in time for Saturday’s home clash with Kidderminster Harriers (3pm).

The Blues boss admits, however, that he has had to have a re-think as to the type of player he is targeting, with height now a necessity rather than a desirable.

He said: “It’s a balancing act for us. We want to set the team up to be an attacking threat and to be able to pass and play, but we really need that height in there.

“It is the set pieces that are killing us, time and time again. It’s so frustrating. I think that, basically, aside from a 20-minute spell against Barnet, we have been in every game this season. But we continue to ship goals in the air and from set pieces, and that’s why we are where we are.

“Against Halifax, they’ve had three chances in the game, and scored two goals. We played well throughout but didn’t take our chances and we’ve lost 2-1. It’s hard to take.”

Young has managed to add one player to his squad this week, taking forward Jon Atkinson from Evo-Stik League outfit Cammell Laird. The 24-year-old scored in a behind-closed-doors friendly game against Connah’s Quay on Tuesday.

“There’s something to work with,” Young said. “We’re not expecting him to come in and set the world alight right away. He was playing West Cheshire football 18 months ago.

“But he’s got a good physique, he’s strong and he holds the ball up well. We will try and work with him and educate him at the higher level.”

On his way out of the Deva Stadium, though, is midfielder Craig Mahon, who will join AFC Fylde on loan.

“He needs game time,” added Young. “And with the need to add height to our team, he probably wasn’t going to get it here for the time being.”

Young will also consider sending keeper Martin Fearon out on loan, though only if he can identify a potential target to come in and put pressure on regular No1 John Danby.

Defender George Horan, meanwhile, is a doubt for the Kidderminster game. He is suffering from a hip injury.

The Blues go to Alftreton Town next Tuesday (7.45pm).