Steve Ibbitson has released two players as he tries to freshen up his Lewes squad.

Sam Crabb and Evan Archibald have both left and Ibbitson has warned others could follow.

Ibbitson would like to bring in a proven striker and knows he has to free up funds.

He has a forward in mind but is reluctant to commit to a player ahead of next Wednesday’s winding-up petition in the High Court.

Ibbitson is also looking at former striker Chamal Fenelon, who has been training with the club since leaving Worthing.

Crabb has scored three times since joining from Eastbourne United in the summer while Archibald is yet to find the mark in seven appearances and while Ibbitson is sorry to lose them he felt he had to act.

The Rooks boss said: “I think it would be better rather than having a squad of 17 to have a squad of 14 with someone who is a proven scorer at this level.

“Of course we can’t go through a season with a squad of 14 but when I talk of my squad I only refer to players over 18. On top of that we have the youngsters like Ross Sutton, Tim Rivers, Jamie Crellin, Arron Hopkinson and Louis Pople.”

Danny Cullip could return to the squad for tomorrow’s FA Trophy third qualifying round tie at Eastleigh. Cullip, who has been out since August with a hamstring injury, trained on Wednesday but reported a little soreness and a decision will be made on his involvement.

Andy Pearson is still likely to be out with a hamstring injury but Anthony Barness returns from a groin injury while suspended trio Jack Walder, Dan Royce and Ryan Storrie are also back.