Scarborough v Gravesend & Northfleet

GRAVESEND manager Andy Ford has stepped up his hunt for a goal scorer in an effort to halt the club’s downward spiral in the Nationwide Conference.

The Fleet have not won a league game since beating Leigh RMI on October 2 and visit Scarborough on Saturday anxious for a moral-boosting win.

Ford watched players on Monday and Tuesday and may sign someone in time for the trip to the McCain Stadium.

He said: "There is nothing wrong with the side that a few goals won’t cure. That’s why I’ve been out and about looking to get the right man in.

"I think we’re close to a deal and with luck something could drop by the weekend. I believe it’s only a matter of time before we get the win we deserve because there is not a lot wrong with the side. A new striker will freshen things up."

Should he get his man, Ford will complete a second major signing in a fortnight following the capture of former Republic of Ireland international centre-back Paul McCarthy from Hornchurch.

The former Brighton, Wycombe and Oxford player, who has signed an 18 month contract, made an impressive debut in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Woking and Ford was pleased with his new defender.

"I thought he played very well but it will take time for him and Zeliko Popovic to develop a rapport at the heart of the defence. Once they settle I’m sure they will do well,” he said.