NEW Orient manager Geraint Williams is hoping to sign a striker on loan before Saturday s vital relegation battle with Crewe Alexandra, writes TREVOR DAVIES. As the Recorder went to press, Williams revealed: Hopefully, something could happen before the w

NEW Orient manager Geraint Williams is hoping to sign a striker on loan before Saturday's vital relegation battle with Crewe Alexandra, writes TREVOR DAVIES.

As the Recorder went to press, Williams revealed: "Hopefully, something could happen before the weekend.

"We have been making plenty of phone calls and, although I don't want to tempt fate, if everything goes according to plan, then we may have another striker in."

Although Williams opted for Ryan Jarvis as a lone forward at Tranmere on Saturday, he admits that his preferred option is to play with two strikers.

"I'm a manager that likes to play with two up front and I like my players to get forward and score goals," he explained.

"That has always been my approach, so those people who know me thought it was amusing that I started with a goalless draw at Tranmere on Saturday," he smiled.

"But, having said that, I was delighted with a clean sheet, especially against a side pushing for the play-offs.

"Tranmere have a tremendous home record and then beat an in-form Colchester side on Tuesday night, so I think that underlines just what a good result it was for us at the weekend.

"But, given our position, we need to win games and the fact that we have recorded just a couple of home victories all season, shows that's a problem for us."

Williams hopes to try and improve that statistic at the weekend and admits it will be a real blockbuster of a Saturday.

"Six of the bottom eight sides play each other, so it is really a big weekend for everyone down there. Obviously, the relegation issue will not be decided this weekend and we can't really influence the other results.

"All we have to do is concentrate on trying to pick up the three points."

The new O's boss is hoping that Adam Chambers will be fit after he underwent a scan on an Achilles injury this week.

"The news was positive so, hopefully, he will be okay," said Williams, who was also keeping his fingers crossed that Jason Demetriou and Jordan Spence returned from international duty without a problem.

"It's fantastic for Jason and the club," said Williams, after the youngster made his international debut for Cyprus on Tuesday night against Serbia, when he came on for the final 26 minutes of a 2-0 defeat.

"But, from a selfish point of view I just want him back safe and well," he said.

Williams is also hoping for a big crowd on Saturday and said: "I watched the last home game against Yeovil and the supporters were fantastic. Hopefully they will get behind the side like that again at the weekend.