Duo depart as Rob Smith slams 'weak' Bucks

Neither were in the squad as the Bucks, who have been listed for a court hearing today in relation to a winding-up petition by HMRC (although the club insist this is an error and that they have paid their debts) were beaten 1-0 at Curzon Ashton on Saturday to remain firmly rooted to the bottom of National League North.

Australian youngster Paratore's departure after two months with the club follows last week's signing of Eddie Toner from Ashton United, while Modest leaves just a fortnight after joining from Hednesford.

Boss Rob Smith, who is having to operate on a tight budget as he seeks to shuffle his squad, explained: "Both have left and are free to find other clubs.

"Nathan was not really going to get a chance while, with Robbie, it is just a case of one-in, one-out."

The manager was, meanwhile, left to lament his side's weak defending after another away-day defeat.

The 1-0 reverse was the Bucks' ninth on the road in a campaign which has seen them win just three points on their travels.

Smith added: "They scored from a corner. My players told me they could not take corners from that side because there was a big puddle out there but funnily enough they managed to get theirs in and scored off it.

"It is ironic really, some of the rubbish we are spouting in that dressing room.

"It is just frustrating all the time coming away and going home with nothing.

"The bottom line is, we should come away with a point, and we haven't because we are too weak defensively at set-pieces.

"The conditions were terrible, but what you do is you stay strong until the end and take a point at least.

"They are feeling sorry for themselves (in the dressing room) and there is not enough character in there at the moment.

"It is just another disappointing day and we have got to start learning to get points whilst travelling."