CHESTER manager Mark Wright was locked in his office for most of yesterday believed to be trying to complete the signing of at least one player in time for this afternoon's departure for Kent for the Conference match against Margate.

With goalkeeper Wayne Brown suspended for the match, which is being played at Dover's ground, the City boss has been contemplating the loan signing of a shot-stopper in an attempt to maintain the remarkable record of keeping a clean sheet in every away match this season.

Brown's deputy, John Worsnop, is untested at this level. He played for the reserves on Wednesday in a 3-1 home defeat by Morecambe in which Mark Beesley was the City Marksman.

Wright was also waiting for a response from Boston United after increasing an offer for last season's top Conference marksman Daryl Clare.

Boston confirmed they had received the offer which also included an un-named player as part of the deal, making a substantial package.

Clare was in talks with the Boston management yesterday following an incident in a reserve match on Wednesday night.

Explained the United secretary John Blackwell: 'Clare's performance resulted in verbal abuse from some supporters and he made a gesture to them. He was immediately withdrawn from the game.

'He apologised to me later, but it is up to the manager and the directors to take it further if necessary.'

One player who could be heading back to the Deva Stadium is Leyton Orient striker Chris Tate who had a short spell last season.

He has been at Brisbane Road for three years, but has been unable to command a first team spot this season.

Tate, 25, who started his career at Sunderland before moving to Scarborough, scored one goal in four appearances for Chester in his first loan period which was cut short by injury.

He will train with the club for the next two weeks before any decision about his future is made.

Wright's preparations for tomorrow's Margate match haven't been helped by his uncertainty over who will be in goal, but City will travel with confidence in defence of their unbeaten record.

The City boss has no fresh injury worries for the game, but defender Wayne Hatswell is still sidelined with broken bones in both hands. 

* Jimmy Haarhoff and Chris O'Brien have joined Droylsden following a period on loan and Andy Porter has been released following a loan spell at Kidsgrove.

* Chester have finished upgrading their floodlights in time for Tuesday's match against Nuneaton Borough (7.45pm) which is being screened live on Sky Sports.

* Keep sending us your stories about your experiences watching Chester City.

The Chester City Exiles and the Chester City Supporters Trust hope to publish a collection in time for Christmas to raise money for the club.

Send them to the Sports Desk, Chester 2AA icle, Chronicle House, Commonhall Street, Chester CH1 2AA or e-mail to newsroom@cheshirenews.co.uk