Davies chasing a goal-grabber
Market Drayton Town manager Martyn Davies is stepping up his bid to sign an experienced striker capable of cashing in on his young side's increasingly impressive approach work.
He says he's already approached a Shropshire-based player of proven ability who has "been around the block" who believes would not only fit in with Town's set-up, but actually benefit from his team building.
A prolific scorer during his playing days with nearly 300 goals for various Drayton teams, Davies had hoped to get fit enough to fill the role himself – but he's finding it hard to throw off the effects of past injuries.
"I'm way off the pace," he admits. "It's annoying because an older, experienced striker could come in and make the world of difference.
"Our lads have now progressed to the point where they're increasingly able to cut defences apart. There's tremendous pace and ability there. The problem is they keep freezing in front of goal.
"We should have converted four clear cut chances in the first half against Carlton Town on Saturday but ended up losing 3-0 to second-half goals."
Inexperience in front of goal, a string of saves by Carlton keeper Jack Steggles – including a sensational stop from Dan Beddows – plus a plentiful dollop of poor luck combined to thwart Drayton.
At one stage, during an intense 10-minute Drayton surge, Tyrell Paynton twice sent glancing near-post headers just over and Shaquille Whittingham belted a brace of shots inches wide.
Carlton, who generally played well above their second-from-bottom position in the Evo-Stik League South table, had their moments too.
Their captain, Jordan Wilson, and speedy winger, William Mellors-Blair both forced home keeper Ash Rawlins into saves.
But Carlton took their chances in a second half during which their stature grew in proportion to Drayton's desperation.
Mellors-Blair struck on 55 minutes after a series of errors in the Drayton ranks. Aaron Hooton cracked in a free-kick 13 minutes later while Drayton's players were more occupied in arguing its merits with referee Scott Robertson than forming an effective wall.
And then, after bright, brave, but still fruitless home rally had forced a string of corners but no score, Mellors-Blair broke clear again to win an 84th minute one-on-one against the luckless Rawlins.
n Drayton's home league fixture against Newcastle Town tomorrow has been cancelled because their opponents are playing Stafford Rangers in the Integro League Cup.
