Conference promotion rivals Halifax Town and Scarborough have both been hit by a transfer embargo.

The clubs have been told by the Conference that they cannot sign any players to boost their promotion bids because they are currently in administration.

Halifax boss Chris Wilder recently made an approach for Kettering Town's ex-York City, Oldham and Bradford striker Neil Tolson.

With the other problems we've got this doesn't help Boro boss Russell Slade

And Scarborough had hoped to sign strikers Don Goodman from Exeter City as well as Gray Bradshaw from Hull City on loan to bolster their squad.

However, those moves are now on ice, although Scarborough will make representation to the FA on Friday in a bid to get the embargo lifted.

The Seasiders have just lost midfielder Jason Blunt to Yeovil Town, while Mohammed Sillah has joined Barnet on trial.

In addition, key defender Mark Hotte has now been ruled out for a month with a knee ligament injury.

"Mark has been very reliable for and with the other problems we've got this doesn't help," said manager Russell Slade.