Cogger is out of Rovers’ three most important games of the season after being sent off against Felixstowe & Walton United on January 17.

Rovers face second bottom Woodbridge Town on Saturday, fifth bottom Ely City the following Friday and Wivenhoe Town, who have lost their last nine, the Tuesday after that, but Cogger won’t be available for any of those.

Betts, who is also looking to find some cover at the back because he has just five fit defenders, said: “At the moment I’m trying to sort out a couple of loan avenues and maybe have one or two loans in by Saturday.”

Rovers didn’t have a match Saturday and then saw their match at home to Needham called off on Tuesday because of snow so Betts watched the reserves take on Lowestoft Reserves in the Chell Trophy second round second leg, but was disappointed by some of his fringe players on show.

He said: “There was a lack of desire from some of the fringe players.

“There should be a desire to get back in the team and there’s a lot of players lacking sharpness because they haven’t had the games.

“If I can get one or two loans in to fill the void then I will.”

The Rovers boss is in discussions with a Ryman League club about taking a player on loan, as well as another step five club about one of their players.

Betts said: “If we don’t get them in time for Saturday they will hopefully be in place for the Ely and WIvenhoe games, but it won’t be anything long term.”

With the three six-pointers coming up, Betts knows his side need to pick up most of the nine points on offer, but that won’t be easy against a Woodbridge side that drew 1-1 with league leaders Lowestoft and lost by the odd goal in five to title-chasing Leiston.

“Seven points has to be the minimum aim,” said Betts. “As long as people are showing the right attitude and desire, the quality is there.”

n Rovers’ match at Woodbridge Town’s Notcutts Park ground is due to take place on Saturday at 3pm.

A brief report will appear on www.haverhillecho.com on Saturday evening.