BELEAGUERED Cherries boss Kevin Bond admits a lack of competition for places among his wafer-thin squad is leaving him feeling "very uncomfortable".

Bond's resources have been stretched to the limit as Cherries have struggled on three fronts recently, with just one win in their past seven league and cup games.

His plight has been emphasised as a dearth of bodies saw the starting line-up virtually pick itself for the FA Cup tie at Barrow and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash with MK Dons.

As a consequence, Cherries were taken to a replay by Blue Square North strugglers Barrow before being deservedly dumped out of the JPT by the League Two leaders on Tuesday.

Bond's options will again be severely restricted for Sunday's trip to Hartlepool with injury, suspension and unavailability all taking their respective toll.

Goalkeeper Neil Moss could be added to the lengthening injury list, Sam Vokes is on international duty with Wales under-21s, while Lee Bradbury serves the last of his three-match ban.

Bond said: "We couldn't really change anything against MK Dons and there wasn't a lot we could do except hope we got a break (after they went 2-0 down). But we didn't get one, not that we deserved any after defending like we did.

"We have to go into the next game with the same players, maybe minus one or two as well. I can't rest anybody or change anything and that is never a healthy situation for a team or a player.

"The players know, that pretty much regardless of the outcome, they are certain to keep their places for the next game and I feel very uncomfortable with that situation. But it's down to the circumstances we find ourselves in and will continue to do so until we get some players back."

Warren Cummings and Marvin Bartley both made a welcome return to the fold when they were named on the bench against MK Dons, with Bartley also an unused sub at Barrow.

Discussing Cummings's inclusion, Bond said: "At this moment in time, I think he'd be the first to admit that he's way short of where he wants and needs to be for first-team action, which is to be expected.

"But circumstances dictate that if we need somebody for the last 20 minutes, I would sooner have somebody with a bit of experience rather than a youngster who is perhaps not ready for the occasion."

Meanwhile, Bond is also still awaiting news of Max Gradel's return after the Leicester loan star was given compassionate leave following the death of his mother.

Bond said: "I've been unable to contact Max for the past week. I know there was some talk of him coming back this weekend but he hasn't done anything since our win at Crewe.

"We don't know where his head is going to be, never mind anything else. Physically, he is going to be in no condition so we will have to assess that when he arrives back."