PHIL Simkin is on the hunt for a new striker after watching his Magpies slump to a 3-1 defeat at Billericay Town.

Saturday’s result marked back-to-back losses in Blue Square Bet South and a third straight reverse away from the Avenue Stadium.

And with 13 goals from 11 league outings, Dorchester’s manager believes fresh competition up top will lead to better fortunes.

Simkin, whose side host Bury Town in FA Cup action this weekend, said: “We do not score enough goals and that is something I’m trying to solve.

“I thought I had solved it but it now appears I haven’t and I will look to solve it this week.

“I have got people in mind but I’m 99 per cent sure the situation won’t change for this Saturday because the people involved will be cup-tied.

“There’s one who possibly won’t be but we have to look at the longer term as well.”

Charlie Taylor, Sam Lechmere and Glenn Poole gave Billericay a three-goal cushion in Essex before Ben Watson netted a late consolation for the visitors.

Reflecting on the defeat, which sees the Magpies drop to fourth, Simkin added: “It was a disappointing performance and certain individuals had poor games, which they have not had before and is something you can’t plan for.

“We will pick ourselves up though, and get ready for Saturday.”