A LACK of a goal threat cost Hartlepool United victory on Tuesday at Bristol Rovers, but Mick Wadsworth would have no qualms about sticking with his current squad of players, strikers included, for the remainder of the season.

Left-winger Andy Monkhouse played up front at the Memorial Stadium, but Pools did not test the home keeper despite their domiance.

Midfielder Antony Sweeney is Pools’ top scorer with ten goals, but goals from centre-forwards are somewhat scarce.

The team ethic is strong at Victoria Park and Wadsworth is more than happy for the goals to be shared around his squad.

A poacher could turn Pools from mid-table into a top seven side, but Wadsworth insisted: “We are working on getting players in, but we don’t have to do it this month like Premier League teams.

“I have to say we have a budget and a squad and I am more than happy to stick with what we have got to the end of the season, I don’t have a problem with that.

“I fully agree in budgets and the club being run as an efficient ship like it is and I have to give great credit to the chairman for that. He will help us if we need it, no doubt about that.’’ After Tuesday’s blank – Pools have only conceded nine times in 14 away League One games this season, while scoring the same amount – Wadsworth said: “We didn’t score, but it’s not an issue, I cope with it as we go along, we are capable of goals and we will score goals. We’ve had a reasonable return and it’s only a home game since we scored four and four before that as well.

“Yes, you are going to have spells when it dries up a bit and could we do with a 20- goal a season striker? Of course we could, but find him for me then.

“Even with strikers they have got most of the teams would say they want more strikers – even Lee Clark at Huddersfield would!

“It’s not a worry for me, I’m aware of it and if we keep playing like that we will score.

“Andy, I spoke to him and felt he gives us a target and he needed something different to think about. He would say himself he’s not playing as well as he was at the start of the season. His combination play with Evan Horwood on the left has been a huge part of our game and they got us the goal at Huddersfield.

“One thing like that can win a game, but he is more than happy to go up front and he is working his socks off for the team.”