As an ex-pat season ticket holder living in the capital, nothing surprises me when I analyse the press reports on a morning after a game. This is particularly the case when Rovers have played against one of London's so-called elite. I am used to seeing the same old lazy headlines referring to 'bully boys' and 'hoof and rush' and if we are lucky,we see the occasional blooper of our very own football club having their name changed to Blackpool Rovers! The London based media were no different in their assessment on Sunday morning.

The truth is, Rovers were the better side and did try to play football. I have been quite critical of the tactics and performances of late but I have no complaints about Saturday. We just can't finish chances created and unfortunately any team who can't put the ball in the back of the net in this division will find themselves closer to the trap door.

So what can be done? There are not the funds availiable to splash out millions on a proven striker, despite what some papers are alluding to. Offloading Roberts and Benni would only generate the funds to pay a quality striker's wages for half a season let alone allow us to sign him.

With all that in mind, the long and winding road home for James Beattie seems almost to be complete. It would not surprise me to see him make his debut v Villa in the FA Cup on the first weekend in the New Year. I realise that does not leave much time once the window opens, but we all know that although there is a hibernation period, activity is rife between clubs.

A victory against the pie-eaters on Boxing Day will go a long way to settle the post Christmas indigestion and steady the nerves which will become incresingly more frayed if we continue to miss the target. If the team plays football in the same fashion as Saturday and creates similar chances then goals surely have to arrive sooner rather than later. I live in hope!

A very happy Christmas to you all.