Striker search

Jake Cassidy

THE HUNT for a new striker continues for Athletic.

The victory at Shrewsbury on Tuesday night was the first in three games by Sheridan since his return to the club. In each of those games he has fielded all four of his front men, Jake Cassidy, Rhys Murphy, Dominic Poleon and Jonathan Forte.

Sheridan watched Murphy put in a lively show as a substitute against the Shrews, but none of the quartet has yet hit the net under his command.

Cassidy has yet to score after 12 games for Athletic, while Forte’s single goal in an injury-hit season came on the opening day. Poleon has often played as a winger and the last of his five goals was in November, while Murphy's hot streak of 10 goals in 13 matches on loan at Crawley and with Athletic has ground to a standstill since his return.

Sheridan wants to add another man, a forward who can provide a platform, with hold-up play the priority.

Athletic are next in action on February 6, a home game against Blackpool. Pool are 18th in the division, six points clear of Athletic.