The Mariners slipped out of the Northern League Cup in midweek, going down 1-0 to West Allotment Celtic.

And Steadman revealed it was the "same old story" of his side creating, and then failing to take, a host of chances, before being hit by a suckerpunch at the other end.

And, having let go forwards Mark Johnson, David Graham and Dean Patton from last season's promotion-winning squad, Steadman has vowed to bring in the man who will fire the Mariners to safety.

He said: "We can't just keep saying the same old things – they're going to have to change.

"When we got promoted, we had good Second Division strikers – but in this league you need a proven goalscorer.

"We've got rid of three strikers and have only got one in, Paul Taylor, so we need at least another one for competition.

"It's a priority for us. We need one with a bit of pedigree.

"There's people coming available all the time, but some just price themselves out of the market.

"We haven't got thousands of pounds to go out and get a striker – we have got the money to go out and get someone, but they have got to be the right pedigree.

"We need someone who will get us 20-25 goals, but that's why they cost so much."

The one striker Steadman has brought in, Taylor, has been missing after having a heart murmour detected.

The Shields boss was hoping that the former Gateshead player would be the man to shoot Shields up the table, but he's only played three games so far, although Steadman is hopeful he will return to action soon.

In the meantime, Willie Crew and Jonny Wightman – who has yet to score this season – have been leading the line, and it looks like they will continue at Northern League Division One title contenders Billingham Synthonia tomorrow.