On a hectic transfer deadline week, Boro swooped to sign ex-Fisher Athletic striker Jeff Goulding from AFC Bournemouth and Plymouth Argyle duo Dan Smith and Ashley Barnes.

Smith, 22, and Barnes, 19, will go straight into the first team squad for the trip to non-league giants Burton Albion tomorrow but Goulding could miss out with a slight back strain.

Boss Garry Wilson said, "We have been working relentlessly behind the scenes and we are delighted to bring these lads in.

"Jeff and Ashley are good, physical, brave centre forwards and Smith is real livewire with genuine pace. He can attack from either flank or play off the frontman."

Wilson added, "We looked at the squad and we felt we needed to freshen it up. The squad has been under severe pressure this season and this will mean we have options to give one or two of them a break."

The recent arrival of Danny Brown and the three signings this week could see the departure of transfer-listed striker Allan Tait and out-of-favour midfielder Darren Budd.

Wilson said, "We may have overloading in one or two places and we will have to balance the books. But it's too early to say at this stage."
The new signings will give Wilson's strugglers a much needed boost ahead of their trip to high-flying Burton.

Nigel Clough's side are unbeaten at their Pirelli Stadium this season and are second favourites, behind Torquay United, to land the Blue Square Premier title.

Head coach Nick Greenwood said, "At the start of the year this was one of the matches we were looking forward to. It is a fantastic stadium and it will be a terrific place for us to play football.

"Burton are going well and if we get something from the game it will be a real bonus.

"We have to aim to do better than we did at Rushden. At times we looked as though we were waiting to be beaten.

"We need to give a better account of ourselves and ask them a few questions."

Paul Armstrong could start his first game since November 1, after recovering from an ankle injury. Nathan Crabb misses the trip with a groin injury.

Clough's Albion side hope to welcome back Lee Morris who missed the 2-0 victory against Stevenage with a sore calf. Shaun Harrad is set to play after recovering from a nasty facial injury picked up at Lewes.

Boro Youth midfielder Simon Johnson, 17, made his first team debut during the midweek Sussex Senior Cup victory at Worthing.

This week he signed Conference registration forms along with strikers Darren Lok, Kevin Barden and midfielder Brett Patton.