GILLINGHAM manager Neale Cooper faces a race against time to find a new striker following Darren Byfield’s sending off at Scunthorpe.

Byfield will now miss this Saturday’s match against Bournemouth after an 88th minute foul saw referee Gary Lewis produce a second yellow card for the Gills’ only fit goal-poacher.

Cooper’s current attacking options rest with Paul Shields who is still adjusting to full-time football, and Iwan Roberts, whose brief pre-season appearances have left him well short of match-practice.

Work will need to be done fast to plug the hole, but Cooper is hopeful of bringing someone in soon.

He said: "I’ve spoken to the chairman and I’m tracking a few people. Hopefully we can get a few new faces in to strengthen for next week."

Cooper was happy with the effort of his side on Saturday, despite conceding a late equaliser.

He said: "It would have been great to go home with three points but we're still unbeaten in three games after two hard away games.

"I can't fault the lads for the effort they've put in, they've been tremendous."

He also defended the actions of Byfield two minutes from time.

"He was just a bit late, there wasn't any malice in it," he said.

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