Latics step up striker search

PAUL HEFFERNAN: The frontman scored one goal in four appearances while on loan.

ATHLETIC manager Dave Penney is striving to bolster his strike force in readiness for Saturday’s crucial League One clash with Brentford at Boundary Park.

Goal-shy Athletic have failed to score in their last two home games, a 0-0 draw with fellow strugglers Tranmere and 1-0 reverse at the hands of play-off hopefuls Millwall.

They have hit the target only 20 times in 25 league games this season and, alongside Gillingham, are the division’s lowest goalscorers.

With the transfer window closing this weekend, Athletic are desperate to bring in at least one forward following their decision to sell Chris O’Grady to League Two pacesetters Rochdale for an undisclosed fee.

Doncaster striker Paul Heffernan, who scored one goal in four games during a month’s loan at Athletic earlier in the season, heads Penney’s shopping list.

But the under-pressure boss also has other irons in the fire.

Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy said: “The manager is working at it at the moment.

“One or two players are being looked at. We can’t provide any names at the moment although we are clearly looking to strengthen the strike force.”

The sale of O’Grady is expected to provide Penney with funds with which to make a permanent signing, but money is tight at Boundary Park following several postponed matches over Christmas and New Year and dwindling attendances during the team’s recent poor run of results.

The situation could become even worse tonight should fifth-from-bottom Brighton — the team immediately above Athletic — win at bottom club Stockport.

Tranmere, four points and a place behind Athletic, entertain mid-table Yeovil, while Gillingham — two places and one point ahead of Penney’s team — go to Hartlepool.