BRIAN Pritchard says his side’s shortage of goals has prompted him to sign another striker.

The Witton manager, conscious that only four teams have scored on fewer occasions this season than Albion, recruited Aaron Rey following the forward’s release by higher-ranked Hednesford Town this week.

He made his debut from the start of Saturday’s 1-0 win against Matlock Town.

“We haven’t scored enough – it’s that simple,” said Pritchard.

“Aaron has natural ability to go with his speed, so he gives to us something different in that part of the pitch.”

The 30-year-old brings pedigree too, scoring a dozen times to help the Pitmen to promotion to Skrill North via the play-offs last season.

He contributed the same amount to Marine’s goals total the previous year.

Without the five-goal hauls against whipping boys Droylsden and Stafford Rangers, Witton’s return is a meagre 20 from 17 games.

Pritchard said: “I’m conscious of that, which is why I’ve moved to bring in somebody. Other arrivals will follow as well if we don’t improve.”

The points were precious against Matlock, who were condemned at the weekend to a fifth successive league defeat at Wincham Park.

Albion’s position in the standings remains unchanged, a statistic they will be desperate to change when Buxton – convincing victors when the teams met on the season’s opening afternoon – visit this Saturday, kick off 3pm.

“It was important to win [against Matlock],” added Pritchard.

“I feel as if we’re evolving, because we kept a clean sheet again and looked solid in defence against a side that is having a good season.

“We’re on a learning curve, the main part of which is realising we must be cleverer to close out games.

“It’s a worry that we’re starting matches so well and then allowing our standards to dip in the second half. I don’t know yet what’s causing that to happen.”

Marc Joseph will sit out Saturday’s match through suspension, while Josh Hancock’s calf injury will be assessed to see whether he can start.

Anthony Sheehan is due to have a scan on his knee, so he is ruled out indefinitely.