EASTLEIGH boss Martin Allen is looking for a new midfielder following the sudden departure of Andy Drury and a long-term injury for Jason Taylor.

Drury dropped a level to return to Ebbsfleet United, his first club, on Allen’s first day in charge so right-back Joe Partington played there instead against FC Halifax Town yesterday.

He started alongside Jason Taylor, who was forced at half-time and may need a hip operation.

Allen said: “He (Andy Drury) was honest and said he didn’t want to play down here anymore.

“I let the chairman know and thought it was best all-round to let him leave.

“We need everyone fully committed and I respect his decision and his choice.

“He’s a good player, any club would miss him at this level.

“But credit to the chairman, he let him go for nothing.

“Jason had an injection on Thursday to be able to play in this game but was injured after 20 minutes and couldn’t run.

“He took one on the bottom of his foot but his hip was already a problem and he’s likely to need an operation.

“I was short [in midfield] anyway so had to play Partington there.

“I don’t think there are any other central midfield players here.”

Allen was also grateful for the performance of goalkeeper Ryan Huddart, who was left exposed for the three Halifax goals and did as much as anyone to ensure Eastleigh are still in the FA Cup.

The teenager was persuaded to play in a phone call on Saturday night.

Huddart, having signed a season-long loan from Arsenal, had returned to the Emirates after making only four appearances in three months.

But Wycombe Wanderers loanee Scott Brown was unavailable because his parent club did not want him cup tied, after winning their first-round tie 5-0 at Chesterfield.

“We didn’t have a keeper at 4.45pm on Saturday," explained Allen.

“So I gave Ryan a ring and persuaded him to come down last night and God bless didn’t he play well!

“He made some great saves, he was superb for us.”