Hill keep it tight at the back as bosstries to addressstriker shortage

But probably even more significant is their lack of punch up front and this was the fifth time in those eight matches that they have failed to score.

That fact has certainly not been lost on manager Ian Chapman, who said: “It’s no secret we need more up front and with another experienced striker I feel we could have turned our 12 draws into seven wins.

“That would have meant 14 more points and put us right in the play-off places.

“I put in a seven-day approach last week and hope to speak to the player this week. It wouldn’t be fair to name him but he’s a proven scorer who was playing in the Ryman Premier last season.”

As for Saturday’s performance, the Hillians boss added: “After conceding six goals in the last two games it was important we keep it tight at the back. I thought we had the better chances and Ben Lucase made a difference when he came on in the second half.

“It was a battling performance after the frailties of midweek but now we’ve got to find a way of playing at home. Our away form has been good, it’s our home form that has let us down.”

Chapman left out Kai Bichard and played two wide men in Nicky Wheeler and Sam Tucknott.

This was Hillians’ fifth game without a win.