PICKERING TOWN boss Paul Marshall has made bagging a goalscorer his top priority.

The Pikes have only managed one goal so far in pre-season - John Heads hitting the target in a 1-1 draw with Old Malton St Mary's - and, while the new chief at the Recreation Ground is generally happy with the way his squad is shaping up, he says signing a striker is a "key priority".

Former Tadcaster Albion and Selby midfielder Nathan Kamara has recently joined Heads and ex-Scarborough schemer James Bennett at Mill Lane. Dunnington's Dan Andrew has also arrived to strengthen the defence.

But Pickering were beaten 4-0 by a Leeds Under-21s side last week and, ahead of last night's (TUESDAY) game against Scarborough Athletic, Marshall said he needs someone who is going to regularly put the ball in the back of the net.

"It is coming together slowly," he said. "We are not scoring goals. We are playing well and the defence and midfield both look okay. But we need to score more goals. We have only scored one and that was through John Heads.

"That's the issue at the moment. Quite a few (forwards) are going to become available very soon. We know where we are lacking and we need a proven goalscorer. If you want to achieve anything, if you want to win, you need someone who puts the ball in the back of the net.

"It's the key issue."

On his latest acquisitions, Marshall said: "Denny (Ingram, assistant manager) managed to secure James. He looks a really good player and will be a big signing for us in midfield. He has got experience of playing in this league for Scarborough and also Evo-Stik experience.

"He didn't get as many games last year as he would have liked and we need to get some experienced players in and around the younger players. We are still quite a young side. We are trying to get some experienced players in who know this level of football.

"Nathan didn't play against Leeds but has signed for us from Tadcaster. I played him as a centre forward against Dunnington and Old Malton. He had a knee operation last year and we are hoping that he stays injury free.

"Players like John Heads and Denny will run through a brick wall for us and that's the type of mentality we are looking to get - lads who will give their all."

On the recruitment of Andrew, Marshall added: "Dan played for Dunnington against us and he fancied a step up. He played against Leeds, along with Denny at centre-half, and it is good to bring him on board. He is a big tall lad when the team around him is quite small."

Marshall revealed that another recent addition, goalkeeper Sam Dobbs, will start the Northern Counties East League Premier division season between the sticks for the Pikes and ahead of Arran Reid.

"They are both good keepers but Arran is away for the second game," he explained. "I have told Sam he will be starting the season and it is up to him to keep Arran out. This is what you want, though - competition for places."

Pickering's pre-season programme will continue at Knaresborough Town on Saturday.