Pinchbeck United chief Dunn eyes new striker ahead of big Netherton United clash

Ambitious Pinchbeck United player/boss Ian Dunn has raised a few eyebrows by targeting two top strikers from rival PDFL Premier Division clubs.

Dunn has made seven-day notices of approach for Ketton’s Will Bird and Netherton United star Tom Randall – and admits that he’s always looking to improve his squad.

Detractors have dismissed Pinchbeck’s move for Randall, who has 31 goals in 26 games, as mind games ahead of Netherton’s visit to Knight Street on Saturday (2pm).

The pair are among four clubs to be battling for the title, with Pinchbeck (second) six points clear of the city side (fourth) having played a game more.

Dunn feels that his side will put Netherton out of the title race if they can replicate last month’s PFA Senior Cup success over them, but has described the clash as one they must not lose.

“There are no mind games,” said Dunn. “We need a striker and I know that Randall is Netherton’s best player and also too good for the PDFL.

“Why wouldn’t we try to sign him? If he says no, which I expect him to, fair enough.

“The same applies to Will Bird, he’s a top player at PDFL level and could help us progress.

“The games will be thick and fast now. I’ve injured my hamstring and that has left us short.

“With Netherton coming to us this Saturday, we can go nine points clear of them with a win.

“For me, that would put them out of the race for the title and they’d be one less side to worry about.

“But it won’t be that simple. They are a strong side and also have a lot of home games still to play, which makes them dangerous.

“It’s important that we don’t lose the game. We drew at their place and won 3-0 at home in the cup, so hopefully we can keep that going.

“We want to be looking forward and hunting (leaders) Peterborough Sports Reserves down, not looking back at the sides just behind us.”

Defenders Jack Smith and Kofi Ross are both doubtful for the game, but skipper Nick Bishop, forward Liam Ogden and the versatile Brad Murrell all featured in the 4-1 win at Leverington on Saturday.