TAUNTON Town have swooped to sign striker Dan Demkiv following news that top scorer Andrew Neal will be out for the “immediate future”.

Neal has been plagued by a knee injury and a scan this week revealed a tear on the meniscus, meaning the Peacocks marksman may need an operation.

The prolific frontman, who has 22 goals to his name this season, will find out more details after a visit to a specialist this week.

To help try and fill the void left by Neal’s goals, Town have added former Southampton academy youngster Demkiv to their squad ahead of today’s visit to play-off rivals Swindon Supermarine.

Demkiv has scored 13 times for Mangotsfield United in Southern League Division 1 South this season and has also had spells at Melksham United, Cirencester Town and Frome Town.

Town boss Rob Dray told the club website: “Dan has great pedigree, knows the Southern League well and is still just 23.

“He is quick and hardworking, and one of the top goalscorers in the division below so will enhance our squad with a difficult set of games coming up.”

On Neal’s injury, Dray said: “We’re devastated for Rocks but we will be doing all we can to get him back out there for the run-in.

“We are exploring all options for treatment and recovery so he will hopefully miss as short a time period as possible.”