THE U s are struggling to score goals and have notched just one in their first three league games this season. Rob Newman has decided the solution to this problem is signing strikers. He has added Marcus Richardson to his squad and is looking for anothe

THE U's are struggling to score goals and have notched just one in their first three league games this season.

Rob Newman has decided the solution to this problem is signing strikers. He has added Marcus Richardson to his squad and is looking for another forward.

Richardson previously played for United in 2001 when he scored a stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 victory at Stoke City.

The 28 year-old has a lot of experience and his 6ft 3in frame should prove awkward for defences.

He is unlikely to be the out-and-out goalscorer that fans had been hoping for but he may be useful in setting up goals for others.

United are continuing their search for another forward and had agreed a transfer fee with another club only for the deal to flounder on personal terms for the player. Chairman Lee Power was not prepared to bow to what he deemed to be excessive demands.

Richardson joins the U's from Weymouth, the surprise early Conference leaders, and the team that beat United on Saturday.

Cambridge failed to get going until the last 20 minutes and lost 2-1, Robbie Simpson getting his first goal for United with a header from Jon Brady's excellent cross.

Newman was very disappointed with the result as he felt his players had failed to get the simple things right and that both goals could have been avoided.

The players will be facing some hard work on the training ground as he attempts to drum into them how they should organise themselves on the pitch.

Next up for the U's is a match against Halifax Town at the Abbey Stadium on Saturday. Halifax have had a poor start to the season, much like United, but they were in the play-off final in May and ought to prove difficult opponents.

It will be an important match for both sides who will be looking to get their seasons moving in the right direction.

On Bank Holiday Monday there is a short trip to Dagenham & Redbridge.