SCARBOROUGH boss Nicky Henry is to step up his search for a new striker after the Seasiders extended their dismal run in cup competitions at Morecambe.

The Seasiders' 2-1 exit from the GLS Conference Cup last night was their fourth opening round exit of the campaign as a late goal from Garry Thompson sent Morecambe through.

And with Boro's only real chance coming from the penalty-spot as Tony Hackworth cancelled out a Michael Twiss spot-kick, Henry is ready to act.

He said: "For half-an-hour in the second half we were the better team but we never really hurt them.

"I said to the players they have got to have a bit more devil about them and I will be doing the best I can this week to bring someone in."

Boro have drawn a blank in three of their last four Conference games, and with high-flying Carlisle the visitors on Saturday Henry would love a fresh face before the weekend.

He added: "It's hard. We don't have much money and if you want a proven goalscorer they cost money.

"But the chairman has been fine and we will be putting our heads together to try and come up with a striker who will do the business for us."

Henry's hopes of having a look at former Barnsley striker Griff Jones were dashed by a hamstring injury Jones sustained in training, although Whitby midfielder Neil Bishop was handed a debut and impressed in midfield.

Morecambe were at full strength and went ahead after Colin Cryan had pulled down Twiss, who stroked home the resulting penalty after 26 minutes.

It took Scarborough just four minutes to level after Keith Gilroy was fouled in the box by Iain Swan.

But despite enjoying plenty of possession the visitors failed to threaten a winner and were sunk eight minutes from time when Thompson headed in a cross from former Boro skipper Jimmy Kelly.

Updated: 10:56 Wednesday, January 26, 2005