BASILDON United are facing a striking crisis as the new season approaches.

The Bees’ three primary strikers are crocked after picking up knocks in Basildon’s busy pre-season campaign.

Assistant manager/player Craig Gillam (back), Jordan Williams (ligament damage) and Tim Cox (knee – long term) are all ruled out for the start of the season.

And boss Colin Cook, inset, says it will be up to his remaining strikers to show they can fill the boots of the more senior men.

“It is not the position I wanted to find myself in but we are still able to field some strikers, so it could be worse.

“I am lucky I have some very loyal players here as we don’t have the biggest budget but we are working hard with what we have.”

Basildon are at home to Barking on August 9.