Market Drayton Town boss Martyn Davies looks to new signing to solve goal woes

The frontman, who hails from the Wrexham area, has a reputation for being a no-nonsense finisher with experience at Welsh League clubs and, more recently, Sandbach.

Boss Davies said: “We’ve been making chances all season but lacked someone to take them – hopefully this lad will be the answer.”

Ironically, the newcomer’s intended debut, against Glossop North End at Greenfields on Saturday, has all the makings of a goalfest anyway.

Last weekend, the sides featured in games that produced a staggering total of 14 Evo-Stik NPL West goals – nine at Colne and five more at Glossop where the Hillmen were humbled by Ramsbottom without scoring.

In Town’s case, they half expected a hiding anyway. His squad decimated by illness, injury, suspension and above all, unavailability, Davies had to make three emergency signings from Whitchurch Alport just to get a team out.

Former Town favourite Nicky Porter, defender Callum O’Connor and young winger Josh Dunne were made available by Alport boss Luke Goddard in a neighbourly gesture praised by Davies, who also voiced his great gratitude to the three players.

“They did really well for us in the circumstances,” he said. “There’s obviously a healthy rivalry between Whitchurch and us but Luke and I get on well as managers.

“We’ve been able to help one another out on occasions but Saturday was the worst I’ve ever known for players crying off so I really owe him for this one.”

With most of the half-dozen or so players who bowed out on Saturday now expected to become available for the Glossop game, Davies is determined to spell out his disenchantment in the dressing room.

He said: “No names, but availability for away games has been an issue throughout the season. Now, however, it’s becoming a threat to the results we can achieve so there are going to be changes.

“Some of those I choose against Glossop will be because better players missing at Colne deserve a recall - but there are others who will not be starting.

“It will be because I think some people could contribute much more. Everyone has an off day but not pulling your weight; not fully supporting your team, your club, is another matter.

“Some have very good reasons for missing games. It’s difficult, perhaps impossible the way things are, giving up the chance of a day’s overtime; it inevitably means far more to a family than the match fee we can afford.

“I’ve known some work Saturday morning and shoot off and play. If, however, that means a long journey, well, it’s something a club at this level has to try and live with.

“But if it comes down to availability issues contributing, arguably even costing us, a run of eight games without a win, that’s another matter.

“At full strength, we’ve proved we can beat anyone in this league. With four of our next five games at home we must demonstrate commitment to get the results we are capable of.”

“I thought the 8-1 result was unfair. I’d have taken losing three or even four. Eight was not a true reflection of the day; how people tried so hard to get things right.”

Inevitably, Colne were at their most devastating as Town tried to sort themselves out and took a five goal lead in 38 minutes through Oliver Wood (12 and 26), Bradley Lynch (15 and 38) and Josh Hine on the half hour.

Hine hit them with a sixth 10 minutes into the second half and although Ryan McLean pulled it back to 6-1 with arguably the best of the game, Hine completed a hat-trick on 70 and impressive midfielder Alen Curran made it eight on 77 minutes.

There was welcome consolation for Town on the long trip back however as results rolled in from elsewhere, eventually confirming no change to their 14th place position in the division, still well above the relegation zone, 12 points clear of Kendal, who visit in a six pointer on February 9, and 16 ahead of Skelmersdale.