BROMSGROVE Rovers have moved to fill a gaping hole in their defence by making a bid for Bedworth United centre back Phil Male.

The club slapped in a seven-day bid for the left sided defender after releasing Steve Ulfig before Saturday's win over Cinderford.

Manager Jimmy Mullen is hoping he can persuade Male, who did not play in Rovers' 4-1 win over Bedworth on New Year's Day, to join in time for Saturday's clash away at Marlow (3pm kick off).

He said: "He's a cultured player who I've liked the look of for some time.

"If we get him he would be a great foil for Ross Collins."

Mullen is set to talk to the former Oldbury man tomorrow (Thursday).

The manager is confident Male could quickly make a formidable partnership with Rovers' main defender Ross Collins.

He said: "Phil and Ross compliment each other because one's left footed and the other's right footed.

"It would mean that Steve Hillman could move to left back where he is far more comfortable and effective."

In anticipation of Male's arrival Ulfig was told by the Rovers boss that he would not stand in his way if the defender wanted to move.

The reliable defender has moved to Chasetown.

Mullen said: "We told Steve what was going on and let him know if he wanted to move it was up to him."

If Male can be persuaded to come to the Victoria Ground and Rovers avoid any injury at the back then Matt Johnson may be handed a chance to shine in midfield.

Johnson has found himself patrolling the flanks as a right back since joining from Telford in December.

Yet he has won over the Rovers faithful with his long range passing and willingness to shoot from distance.

Mullen said: "Matt is someone who has got a good touch and can get up and down all match. He's done very well.

"Where ever he plays he will do a good job for us."

Johnson's penetrating passes were a feature of Rovers' nerve wracking 1-0 win over Cinderford at the weekend.

Mullen though is sure goals will continue to come, despite some poor finishing in the last few games, with the dangerous pairing of Leon Mitchell and Paul Szewczyk up front.

The duo have formed a formidable partnership since Arthur Appleton left for Redditch United.

Mullen said: "Both have been scoring goals lately so I'm not worried about that.

"Together they're a very dangerous partnership.

"We did miss a lot of chances against Cinderford and it almost cost us as they threw everything they had at us.

"But we've got two strikers linking up well and who look dangerous every time they go forward."

* Rovers must beat a youthful Studley side at the Beehive if they are to progress to the next round of the Worcestershire Senior Cup on January 25 (Tuesday).

Bromsgrove will take on a side totally rebuilt by manager Kevin Rowlands, after the team which won the Worcestershire Senior Urn three seasons in a row was dismantled.

The club will be hoping for a cup double after it was announced that the reserves' Worcestershire Senior Urn semi-final against Barnt Green Spartak will be played on February 23.

By Peter McKinney