THREE key signings - that's the hard target for Basingstoke Town boss Ernie Howe as his side focus their sights on securing a top-five spot in the Nationwide South.

With the team out of all but one cup competition, concentrating on the league is definitely the priority for Howe and his players.

The Town boss (pictured) believes that acquiring three more key players would maintain the team's place in the Nationwide South's top five and secure a play-off spot come May - but he knows the club's tight finances mean that he hasn't got the spending power to target the people he really wants.

Howe is concerned the fine work achieved by his young side in securing third place after 16 league games might be undone as pitches get heavier and the demands on his threadbare squad increase.

That is why the Town boss would gladly welcome a trio of new players to boost competition for places, give him more options and lessen the load on key performers - like midfielder Sergio Torres.

Howe firmly believes that fresh blood will ensure Town keep their high-flying momentum going into 2005.

He said: "If I could get three more players in the positions we need to bring people in, I would be confident of getting in the play-offs. The way we are going in the league, I'm confident we could do it.

"Bringing players in doesn't guarantee success of course - you've got to be sure they are the right sort and will fit in.

"But I'd be happier if I had a few more options and that little bit more experience in certain areas. I honestly believe that if I had that, we would make the play-offs."

Never one to make glib or rash predictions, Howe is making his comments based on the evidence of the opening four months of the season.

He said: "The league is where it is happening for us. It's disappointing to be out of the cups, because of the revenue available, but there's nothing we can do about it now.

"It's the cup matches that have shown us most where we are lacking. Just look at the Newbury FA Cup game. A little bit more experience and the right sort of personality on the pitch would have calmed things down at 2-2 and made sure we got a replay, instead of pushing forward like we did and getting caught."

Referring to the fact that Basingstoke find it tough to compete financially with other clubs, Howe explained: "It's always easier afterwards to say what's required, but how do you get that sort of player when we are up against clubs with more money?

"I learned this week how much Windsor and Eton are paying people and was shocked."

Howe's efforts to bring in a left-sided player have so far been fruitless after the circumstances were not right for Durragh Ryan and Ben Walsh to join.

"There are a couple of areas I'd like to strengthen, left-midfield being one of them," he said, before refusing to disclose the other positions.

He added: "Stuart Tanfield and John Dyer leaving has freed up some cash, but not enough to allow me to get three players. The money isn't there.

"The position of the club has been reiterated by the chairman time and again. Rightly, he is not prepared to put things in jeopardy, so we have to look at it very conservatively in our approach for players out there.

"We've had a couple of knock-backs in the last couple of weeks, so we've got to keep persevering. We've got a few targets, so I'll be trying again, but they've got to fit the budget."

Tomorrow at the Camrose, Town take on Bognor Regis Town. They were thumped 6-0 by Grays in midweek, while Howe's men were knocked out of the Carthium Cup 2-1 at Havant. That game on Monday was watched by Bognor's manager Jack Pearce.

"Bognor are a footballing side and always aim to pass the ball around, so we know what to expect," said Howe. "Hopefully, we'll take the chances we didn't against Dorchester last week and get all three points."

Defender Jason Bristow and striker Neville Roach are both injury doubts for tomorrow's clash.