BOSS Steve Claridge is calling on Weymouth to show a ruthless streak when they travel to Moor Green tonight.

The player-boss yesterday watched Dr Martens Premier Division leaders Crawley Town cruise to a 4-0 win at basement boys Chelmsford City to open up a four point lead over the Terras.

Now the veteran striker wants his players to be as clinical in front of goal at the Moorlands (7.45pm) as their title rivals.

"To say Crawley were comfortable winners last night would be an understatement," he said.

"They cruised it against a Chelmsford side who, with all due respect, I don't think many people expected to get a result.

"It's obviously a shame that Chelmsford couldn't do us a favour but Crawley have got one or two tricky away games coming up and there's still a lot of football to be played.

"It's now up to us to do a professional job at Moor Green tonight to keep the pressure on and ensure their lead remains only one point.

"If we play like we did on Saturday, I'm sure we'll be okay. We just need to be a little more ruthless in front of goal.

"There is a fine dividing line between success and failure and when chances come along we have to take them. Crawley did that on Saturday and last night, now it's our turn to do the same."

Claridge is again likely to be without the services, in Birmingham, of injured striker Lee Phillips who has been told he needs another week of rest to recover fully from a hamstring strain.

And with fellow frontman Stewart Yetton, midfielder Martin Barlow and defender Simon Browne also on the crocked list, the Terras boss says the injuries could not come at a worse time.

"Losing four major players is going to hurt a side no matter who you are, especially when you've got a pretty small squad like we have," he said.

"But the worst thing we could do is rush people back before they are fully fit and risk them making their injuries even worse."

Phillips' absence tonight means Luke Nightingale is likely to again start in a striking role, as he did at the Broadfield Stadium at the weekend. But the manager says he is on the lookout for another goal-getter to boost his side's striking power for the run-in.

"When you look at Crawley, they've got five strikers of proven ability who can score goals at this level. They have a big squad of senior players funded by a £250,000 sponsorship deal which has given them the finance to go out and get players," added Claridge.

"Despite what some like to try and claim, our finances are still very tight and I'd estimate we've spent a fraction of what Crawley have.

"Our club has come an awful long way in a short space of time and I want to keep that progress going.

"It would be nice to bring new players in and we've been doing everything to try and do that recently.

"We know we need more cover, especially up front, but it all comes down to finance. We're not going to panic and pay silly money for a player. Some clubs we've approached have wanted that.

"But we'll keep looking for the right person. In the meantime, I'm sure we'll hang on in there and keep up the pressure on Crawley. A win tonight will do that."