Herne Bay want to sign a new centre-forward to help them shake off the tag of Ryman League, Division 1 South draw specialists.

Sam Denly’s side have shared the points in four of their last five league outings and have scored just five goals in six games this season.

And defeat to lower-league opposition in the FA Cup on Tuesday night has left the Bay boss in no doubt that he needs to strengthen his squad.

Denly said: “We need someone who can stick the ball in the net. I’ve been saying it from day one.

“There aren’t many players out there who can score 20 to 30 goals per season but I am speaking to a couple.

“It’s my job to address these problems over the next couple of weeks.

“You’ve got to be brutal at this level and a few lads are going to miss out.”

Ben Brown signed Ryman League forms this week and he joins up with the Bay squad ahead of Saturday’s home game against Burgess Hill Town.

Sam Hasler (knee) is approaching full fitness and Nathan Eastwood may also be in contention but Steven Lloyd (hamstring) is out for several weeks. He was withdrawn just 19 minutes into Tuesday’s 2-1 FA Cup preliminary round defeat at home to Eastbourne United.

Burgess Hill arrive in east Kent unbeaten in five and just outside the play-off positions.

Bay follow Saturday’s game with a Kent derby at Hythe Town on Wednesday, kick-off 7.45pm.