Bristol Rovers boss McGhee targets two new strikers

MARK McGhee says he may be in the market for two new strikers this week after watching Bristol Rovers draw a blank against Fleetwood at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

The Rovers boss failed to add a frontman to his squad ahead of the goalless draw with Football League new-boys Fleetwood – and confirmed afterwards he'd ideally like to add two new strikers to his squad before the trip to Exeter City next weekend.

McGhee, however, was encouraged by the performance of his winless side after they dominated possession and created enough clear-cut chances to secure three points.

He said: "I'm really disappointed we didn't win the game. There are positives to take out of our defensive performance and now the supporters just have to trust me to get a couple of players that will be the difference between us drawing and winning these sorts of games.

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"We're out there doing our best to find a replacement for (the injured) Matty Harrold and we may possibly also be looking for another striker as well.

"We have a list of strikers we're looking at, because we know we need some strength and depth in that department. We will certainly be trying to do business before next weekend in an effort to try to get somebody that will help us put the ball in the back of the net."

McGhee was able to at least celebrate a first clean sheet of the season following another man-of-the-match display from summer signing Garry Kenneth.

He added: "I've been preaching that the return of Garry would make us a lot more secure at the back and I think that has been obvious in the last two games.

"We gave ourselves a platform to go on and win the game. The only criticism I can have is we weren't able to score a goal because we certainly created enough chances to do that."

The best of those chances fell to striker David Clarkson in the second-half, but two fine saves from Fleetwood goalkeeper Scott Davies and another to deny midfielder Oliver Norburn prevented Rovers from taking the three points that their performance arguably deserved.

"I think Dave Clarkson will be disappointed," said McGhee. "He'll probably feel he should have scored at least one of the two opportunities that fell to him."

The manager, meanwhile, made three changes to his starting line-up in a bid to try to claim a first win of the season. Those changes included a debut for Fulham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, who agreed to join on a month-long loan deal on Thursday.

It was Etheridge's senior league debut and the manager said: "Neil didn't have a lot to do, but when he was called on he did what was required of him.

"You can't ask for much more than a clean sheet on your debut and he'll provide good competition for Sam (Walker) for the length of his stay."

Joe Anyinsah was also offered his first start up front alongside Clarkson since the opening day of the season and McGhee added: "Joe led the line for us well and worked hard. He can be a bit frustrating, though, because he doesn't hit the target often enough.

"What Joe needs to realise is, that as a striker, he'll be judged on his goals return, so he needs to score more often."