By James Barrett
Carshalton Athletic boss Tommy Williams is looking for more craft and invention from his strikers following a 1-0 defeat to Leiston on Saturday.
The Robins have only scored one goal in three consecutive Ryman Premier defeats, in direct constrast to a rapidly improving defensive line.
Last weekend's defeat has Williams' men second from bottom, only above newly promoted Thamesmead Town on goal difference.
Williams said: "We have not deserved to lose our last two games but, although we worked again as a unit again, the simple fact is we have.
"We lacked that final killer ball which has cost us in a game that, in all honesty, had 0-0 written all over it until one piece of quality for Leiston eventually won it."
Williams believes it is not just his strikers that have to shoulder the goalscoring duties however.
He said: "Julian Owusu works hard and Steve Butterworth is an intelligent player and both are disappointed not to be scoring at the moment, but I feel that responsibility falls on the shoulders of our midfielders too.
"The quality of our set-pieces were poor today for example."
Carshalton felt aggrieved by a decision by a linesman that cost them the lead at half-time during the game.
Butterworth slotted home from close range after the Leiston keeper spilled a Luke Pigden shot, but all celebrations were curbed by an offside flag.
"We perhaps should have gone in one up at the break because we feel the offside decision was dubious," Williams said.
"I'm confident however that if we continue replicating our work ethic, which has been brilliant over the last two games, we can get something from our trip to Bognor Regis on Tuesday."
Help from the midfield: Harold Adametey of Carshalton Athletic
More from the frontmen: Julian Owusu is yet to register a Ryman Premier goal for the Robins
Denied by the flag: Luke Pigden's shot was spilled by the keeper and Steve Butterworth scored, but it was ruled offside
At his feet: Mark Goodman brings the ball out
Lost cause: Tommy Bradford chases down a long ball into the penalty area
Give me more: Tommy Williams is looking for more guile and goals from his strikers (All pictures: SP73085)
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