AFC Telford United boss Rob Smith is trawling the transfer market for a new striker after confirming that Matty Lewis has broken his leg.

The tall marksman fractured the tibia and fibula in his right leg during Friday night’s 0-0 draw with League One side Cheltenham at the New Bucks Head.

And Smith believes he has no option but to go in search of reinforcements to provide back up for his three remaining forwards – Terry Fearns, Andy Brown and Lee Moore.

“I think we’ve got to go for someone because it’s a big ask to run with just three strikers, especially with so many games coming up in a short space of time,” he declared.

“It’s going to be very, very difficult to get the right person because players are already tied up and I don’t have anyone specific in mind yet.

“I’m reluctant to go down the loan route because clubs tend to demand that they have to play then, and I don’t want to be in that position.

“We also want someone of Matty’s stature and height and I won’t just sign anyone for the sake of it.”

Lewis was stretchered off the pitch against the Robins in clear agony, and with his leg strapped up in a splint.

An initial X-ray at the Princess Royal Hospital revealed he had broken his tibia – but it was not until he went to his local Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry yesterday that the fractured fibula was discovered as well.

The former Kidderminster man underwent immediate surgery to have his bones screwed together and has been told it will be eight weeks before he can resume training – and 12 weeks before he can engage in any physical contact.

“I feel so sorry for him,” added Smith. “He’s very down and he’d only just started a new job so he’s not going to have any money coming in, either.

“It’s hit us hard because he’s a cracking lad and he’d been looking good. It’s a real tragedy.”