Mark Johnson – last season's top scorer – has joined Crook Town, while youngster Dean Patton has signed for Birtley Town.

The Mariners are second bottom of the Northern League Division One, having scored just 10 times in nine league games this season.

Steadman admits that missed chances – along with individual errors in defence – are costing his side dearly.

But he has backed his forwards to start banging in the goals to help Shields get the rewards from games that their manager feels they deserve – starting with a tough trip to Dunston Fed tomorrow.

Steadman said: "I'm happy with the strikers we have got.

"Don't get me wrong, I would have liked Johnners to stay, but he knew I was going in a different way.

"The truth is that we had seven strikers, and I told them that they all obviously couldn't play.

"Three clubs came in for Willie Crew, Johnners and Dean, and I have always been honest with players and told them when clubs have approached us.

"Willie said he wanted to stay and fight for his place, but Johnners and Dean said they wanted to play first-team football.

"They have both been spot on about it. There has been no fall-out or animosity."

Shields still have plenty of striking options in their squad, with Steadman opting to partner new signing Paul Taylor with Jonny Wightman against Billingham Synthonia on Wednesday night.

Crew was an unused substitute, with fellow forwards Tony Coe and David Graham coming off the bench, Graham missing a last-minute penalty which would have earned his side a point.

As it was, Shields went down 1-0 to the league leaders, but impressed with their overall play – as they have done for most of the season.

Steadman is not too concerned with their league position, claiming: "I'm not worried at the moment.

"If we look back over the last five games, we could have been sitting above mid-table.

"It's not through poor football, it's just not putting the ball in the back of the net. Our goal this season was just to stay up – and I've got no doubt that we will.

"We have played five out of the top seven sides, and don't fear anyone.

"It just needs a goal off someone's backside, or an own goal.

"We need the rub of the green, but when you're down the bottom, it just seems to go against you."