WHITCHURCH manager Jim Macey is on the look out for a new striker after his side failed to put away their chances again – losing 1-0 at Ringwood in Wessex League Division One last Saturday.

Macey said: “We just have not got a finisher at the moment – that is what is costing us. I know Ringwood are our bogey side, but they were helped as the referee has made two disastrous decisions in my eyes.”

Whitchurch had new signing Rio Francis from Reading Town in their line-up and he had two good chances in the first 45 minutes.

The first he fired over the bar and second saw the home goalkeeper tip his shot around the post.

After that, George Dallarda went close and then the Ringwood ’keeper produced another great save as Paul Coventry, on the turn, hit a shot which looked to be heading for the top corner.

After the break, Whitchurch continued to be camped in the Ringwood half and Tom Pemberton saw his shot pushed out from behind the line by the hand of a defender onto the bar and away.

As the visitors’ players appealed for a goal or penalty, Ringwood broke away and scored.

Macey said: “I just could not believe it as the referee was only about two foot away. He may have not thought it was a goal, but I can’t see how he missed the hand ball.”

The man in the middle had not finished making it a tough afternoon for Macey as Dallarda stormed through and was taken out in the box.

A penalty looked the only outcome, but instead the Whitchurch striker was booked for diving.

Macey added: “It was just like the (Fernando) Torres incident for Chelsea.”

This Saturday it gets no easier for the Whitchurch as they face a visit from third-placed Petersfield, who are unbeaten in their last five games, including four wins.