Manager Woods backing strikers

GRIMSBY Town manager Neil Woods is backing his misfiring strikers to start finishing off the opportunities the team are creating ahead of today's trip to Notts County.

The Mariners' boss has a plethora of striking options, with Adam Proudlock, Jean Louis Akpa Akpro, Barry Conlon, Nathan Jarman and Ben Wright all in the squad for the 1-1 draw with Morecambe.

And with Danny North and Adrian Forbes battling back from injuries, Woods appears to be spoilt for choice in the attacking third.

However, Conlon's stoppage-time header against Accrington Stanley on October 30 was the last time a Town striker hit the back of the net – nine matches and almost two months ago.

Top scorer Peter Sweeney has added goals five and six to his tally for the campaign in the meantime, while Michael Coulson's strike against Dagenham & Redbridge came from his new position on the left of midfield.

Woods admitted the forwards' lack of cutting edge is becoming a cause for concern.

He said: "I think the longer it goes now, particularly for individuals, confidence does take a little bit of a battering, but we're trying to keep it as positive as we can.

"We know we're not having that little bit of luck at the moment and it's important that myself, Chris (Casper) and Dave (Moore) keep the boys, and particularly the strikers, very positive.

"I think if they were playing poorly we'd have a bigger issue than what we've got."

Despite having so many options up front, Woods has resisted the temptation to chop and change his strikers, with Akpa Akpro and Proudlock starting the last three fixtures, since the latter's return from an ankle injury.

He went on: "It's a big decision, it's something we have to think about and reflect on, and it's also not just about the individuals but the pairings playing together and offering different threats.

"I think Morecambe was the sharpest I've seen Adam since he came back. He looked like he needed the games in the last two fixtures, so he was brighter again. Unfortunately all the chances fell on his weaker foot, although he's still good enough to take them."

Sweeney said: "Prouds was really unlucky with his left-foot snap-shot. The keeper doesn't even know that he's saved it, it's just hit him.

"Obviously he's had another chance, which was unlucky, he's hit it wide, but he's getting in those positions.

"He's only been back for three games, he's getting fitter and sharper now and I've got no doubt he'll start scoring goals.

"But to be honest, we don't care who scores the goals as long as we get a win."