ALBION are poised to offer goalkeeper Brian Parkin a short-term contract for the rest of the season.

Parkin celebrated his debut last night with a clean sheet in a creditable goalless draw for Albion reserves against Chelsea at Kingstonian.

The transfer deadline is just over a fortnight away and boss Jeff Wood is anxious to have cover and competition for Mark Ormerod.

Mark Walton had a hernia operation on Saturday which will keep him out for a minimum of three weeks.

Wood said: "I need another keeper and Brian looks the part, so I will be speaking to the chairman about him.

"He did well for us. He made a good save early on, a great reaction save late on and caught all the crosses."

Parkin, 33, has more than 300 League appearances behind him. He has been at Notts County and Wimbledon this season following spells with Wycombe Wanderers, Bristol Rovers, Crystal Palace, Crewe and Oldham.

Parkin wasn't the only one to earn praise from Wood. "Andy Ansah did very well at rightback and Danny Davis was outstanding in the middle of the park," he said.

"It was a very good defensive performance and we had some chances to win it."

Albion Reserves: Parkin; Ansah, Smith, Browne, Francis, Westcott, D. Davis, Dorling, Mills, Minors, Ramsay. Subs: Marney for Minors (injured), McCarthy for Westcott (withdrawn), A. Davis.

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