BLACKPOOL'S injury woes are going from bad to worse as they prepare to enter what promises to be a busy December programme.

Big striker John Murphy remains a major doubt ahead of Port Vale's FA Cup visit on Saturday, while the likes of Rob Clare, Gareth Evans and Paul Edwards are also battling against injury.

Martin Bullock is on the road to recovery from his ongoing hamstring woes but won't be available for at least a couple more weeks, although Danny Coid is due to return after suspension.

Hendry is continuing to search for new players, particularly a big striker, with Tranmere's Simon Haworth one of a plethora of players who he has made inquiries about in recent days.

Finding a player available for the cup tie may prove too much for Hendry - but he will continue his efforts before the vital visit of fast-improving Torquay on Tuesday night, a real six-pointer even at this stage of the season.

Adding to the sense of gloom at Bloomfield Road was the Seasiders' LDV Trophy defeat at conference side, Hereford, on Tuesday night.

An early goal from Jamie Pitman put the Bulls ahead, although a well crafted equaliser by Matthew Blinkhorn, from a Jamie Burns cross, levelled things on the hour mark.

But, in the dying seconds, a close range effort from Lee Mills - possibly involving the use of a hand - saw Blackpool relinquish their grip on a competition they have won twice in three years.

Hendry's side probably deserved a little more from their visit to a chilly Oakwell on a cold Saturday afternoon than the 1-0 defeat they came away with.

Admittedly, the hosts started brightly and it took a series of good saves by Brad Jones to keep the Seasiders on level terms at the break.

But Blackpool created a host of decent chances after the break which could and, perhaps, should have given them a chance of three points. Simon Grayson should have done better, running on to Rob Edwards' through ball after a Keigan Parker dummy, but slotting his shot wide from close range.

Scott Taylor's header from a pinpoint Parker cross, was well saved by Ross Turnbull who, like Brad Jones, is on loan from Middlesbrough. In fact, the two keepers were by far the best players on the pitch.

Parker also hit the bar with an excellent free kick from the edge of the area but, with little over 10 minutes left, Aussie midfielder, Jacob Burns, hit a stunning, dipping 30 yard shot which beat Jones to lift the pressure on former Blackpool man, Paul Hart, threatened with the sack after Barnsley's poor start to the season.

Blackpool still had a chance to equalise, with Taylor rattling the woodwork from close range in injury time.

But the home side hung on, leaving the words 'long, hard Winter' on the lips of the Seasiders faithful leaving the ground to prepare for a one hour wait to get away from the car park.