AFC TOTTON will have to wait another five days to involve their three new signings in the fight for Calor Southern Premier Division survival.

The Stags have completed short-term loan deals for AFC Bournemouth pair Harrison Gilkes and Lewis Lindsay and signed versatile midfielder Caleb Porter on a permanent deal from fellow strugglers Bashley.

With wet weather again playing havoc with Saturday’s programme, Totton were left kicking their heels when their scheduled trip to Biggleswade Town was postponed.

It means the new arrivals will have to wait until this coming Saturday to be unleashed when the Stags entertain Redditch United.

Gilkes – son of former Reading winger and Saints loanee Michael – is a speedy right winger while Lindsay, 19, plies his trade in central defence. The pair are part of the Cherries’ development squad and are looking to continue their education in senior men’s football.

Gilkes impressed on a loan spell with New Milton Town in the Wessex Premier Division two seasons ago, but his stay was cut short by a broken arm.

Porter, a former Brockenhurst Academy player, will add to competition for midfield places following the recent acquisition of Liam Gilbert from Horndean. “We’ve got lots of games coming up and it’s good to have a few fresh faces in,” said manager Steve Riley.

“Bournemouth are very helpful when it comes to loaning out young players and we’ve got a good relationship with them. It’s nice to have that connection.”

Unfortunately for second-to-bottom Totton, their quest to stay up became that bit harder on Saturday. With St Neots winning, they are now 16 points adrift of safety.