There is likely to be a new striker leading Spalding United’s line in Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Heanor Town at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field (3pm).
Tulips’ chief Pat Rayment has made recruiting a target man to play with Andrew Tidswell his number one aim after seeing his side pick up only four points from a possible 12 in Evo-Stik League First Division South.
With Mark Jones ruled out indefinitely with a knee problem, Rayment has tried Jordan Thomas, Tom Waumsley and Ash Burbeary in attack this season.
But Rayment is not happy with what he’s seen – and is ready to move back into the transfer market. He said: “I’m very hopeful we’ll have somebody in place by Saturday.
“Mark Jones is the perfect striker at this level, but we just can’t get him on the pitch. We’ve put the feelers out for a few people and I’m working hard to get somebody in.”
Saturday represents a break from Evo-Stik League action, with Northern Counties East League Premier Division high-fliers Heanor their opponents in the preliminary round of the FA Cup.
Although the Derbyshire-based side play one level lower than the Tulips, they have won all three of their league games this season.
Rayment is wary of their threat, but is backing his side to come good.
He added: “It’ll present a different challenge for us and I’m expecting a very tough game.
“You can’t ask for anything more than a home game in any cup competition and I’m looking forward to Saturday.
“We’ve had them watched and they’ll be a very good test for us.”
Should Spalding progress, they’ll bank £1,925 in prize money and another home tie against either Retford United or Holwell Sports in the first qualifying round.
