ONE, two, three, four – that s the number of strikers Stevenage Boro boss Mark Stimson wants to bring to the club. Stimson has seen his side lose their opening two Conference fixtures, going down by the odd goal in three at Altrincham on Saturday and then

ONE, two, three, four - that's the number of strikers Stevenage Boro boss Mark Stimson wants to bring to the club.

Stimson has seen his side lose their opening two Conference fixtures, going down by the odd goal in three at Altrincham on Saturday and then at home to York City on Tuesday night.

Now the new manager will continue his search for fresh striking talent.

Stimson has been thwarted in his attempts to bring in Exeter's Lee Phillips, Ray Jones from QPR and Jamie Guy from Colchester.

Boro's official link with Premiership Spurs has also failed to yield any rewards so far.

"We definitely need some more firepower up front," admitted Stimson. "Everyone wants strikers and that's where my main search is.

"I'm working down a long list and putting in a great number of phone calls.

"I would like at least four new strikers. If we do, it would mean some movement out of the club."

Boro currently have three frontline strikers in Darryn Stamp, Jon Nurse and Tony Thorpe, as well as youngsters like Hector Mackie and Chris Sullivan.

"It depends who we get in on who will leave," continued Stimson. "We signed someone like Thorpey to get goals and that hasn't happened so far."

The York defeat saw Boro overpowered by their visitors, especially in the second half of the match.

"York have got quality in their side and it will take us time and the players have got to continue believing.

"I don't think we passed it enough and played the long ball too early.

"We were lacking pace up front and it's not just about how big you are; if you are bright and sharp enough, the big guys do struggle."

With Boro yet to record a point, and fifth from bottom, they host a team which has got maximum points from their opening two fixtures - Crawley Town - this Saturday.

The troubled Sussex club still have a points total of minus four after starting the season with a deduction for being in administration.

Stimson added: "I really don't like losing and it leaves a bitter taste and we'll be looking to put things right this weekend.

"You have to be positive and take some positives out of the performance against York.

"Craig Dobson for one worked extremely hard. He has got the belief and pace to take people on. He is hungry to improve and possibly play at a higher level.

"Adam Miller always wanted the ball and although he gave it away a lot, he kept wanting it back again."

* Turn to Sport 6 and 7 for match reports of Boro versus Altrincham and York City.

There is also a preview of the Crawley match and details of the Boro fanzine.