SHAUN Reid says it is a mark of Warrington Town’s progress that strikers from a higher level have joined his team’s ranks this week.

Lee Gaskell, aged 29, and Steven Tames, aged 22, both made their debuts in Tuesday night’s draw at high-flying Salford City.

Former Bury hitman Gaskell, the Evo-Stik First Division North’s leading scorer last term in Ramsbottom’s promotion-winning campaign, adds to Reid’s attacking options ahead of the FA Cup second-round clash at Gateshead on Sunday, December 7, when Ben Wharton will not be available through suspension and injury.

Tames, who previously played under Reid at Prescot Cables, is cup-tied having represented Conference North outfit Hyde in a second qualifying round loss but provides healthy competition for places for the season’s remainder as Town pursue promotion.

With nine clean sheets in all competitions this season but only 18 goals scored in 14 league games the area for recruitment was clear.

“It’s all very good keeping clean sheets but the game is about scoring goals,” said Reid.

“I want strength and I want options.

“We lose Ben Wharton for a month but with Gaskell we’ve got a six-foot player with a phenomenal goal record at this level and the level above.

“Tames scored goals for me at Prescot Cables before going on to Southport, Vauxhall Motors and Hyde. I feel he can come in and get us goals as well.

“So I’ve got options up top with Scott Metcalfe, Steve Foster, Ash Ruane as well as youngsters James Colbeck and Ben Collins. I’ve got a really strong forward line and it’s up to them to stake a claim for places and keep their places.”

Ramsbottom joint manager Anthony Johnson has questioned Gaskell’s ambition after dropping down a division for more money.

Reid said: “I’m in charge of a club that I certainly don’t think is a step backwards for the boys. It’s a step forwards and it’s going to prove that way by the end of the season.

“These two boys can really add to what we’ve got and take it to another level.

“We’ve got to push on. I keep reiterating I’m not sure we’ll win this FA Cup but I think we’ve got a chance of getting promotion and that’s our ultimate aim.

“A lot of people are shocked that they’ve both decided to come to Warrington Town.

“When I first came here, it was difficult to attract players but now the likes of Gaskell and Tames want to play for Warrington.

“That’s a massive step forward for this club. Maybe it’s just a sign that we are doing things right and heading in the right direction.”

Reid now feels he has two to three players for each position in his team.

He said: “This is where a manager earns his corn now because I’ve got to pick the right team for the right game. Me and the chairman (Toby Macormac) have put a squad together that we firmly believe will take us onwards and upwards.”