Manager Liam Daish hopes his search for a striker is complete before Saturday’s visit of Tamworth and Tuesday’s trip to AFC Wimbledon.

The Fleet boss has been trying to land an experienced striker from a League 1 or 2 side.

Club chairman Duncan Holt revealed: "Liam went to five reserve team games last week and is desperate to get someone in for Saturday.

"It’s difficult because league teams can have seven substitutes this season and, with injuries and suspensions, clubs want to hold on to four strikers each."

Holt said the cash for a three-month loan deal had risen to around £8,000 but said a move for out-of-favour Shrewsbury striker Nathan Elder had fallen through after no agreement could be reached over his wages.

Fleet have scored just eight league goals in 19 Blue Square Premier games – half that of any other side – and have scored just one goal in the past nine games.

However, Saturday’s visitors to Stonebridge Road, Tamworth, have themselves lost three away games in a row and have not won in six on the road.

Mr Holt said: "We are entering the defining period of our season, starting on Saturday.

"The next six or seven games will give us a real idea of where we might be at the end of the season.

"We are six points adrift at the moment so two or three wins can make a big difference and if we can get in a striker, then that is possible. But if we can’t sort anything out, then it will be tough."