Not only did Huddersfield Town lose potential points at Middlesbrough, they also lost personnel with James Vaughan the most pressing case.
Vaughan was withdrawn after just 23 minutes of Town's 2-0 Riverside reverse after suffering an unintentional kick to the head and tweeted after the match that he sustained a fractured eye socket and cheekbone.
The latest setback for Town's injury-plagued forward has exacerbated manager Chris Powell's need to enter the transfer market and bring in players to complement his existing options as well as replacing Vaughan in the interim.
Town are as yet unsure over the extent of the 26-year-old's injury but with Martin Paterson being eyed by MLS outfit Orlando City, Powell's options are becoming increasingly thin.
Indeed, only hotshot Nahki Wells resembles a tangible first-team striker option beyond the injured Vaughan and Paterson, whose contract expires this summer.
So the need to draft in a frontman, or even frontmen, is patent but one which promises to be difficult at this period of the season.
But who could the Terriers turn to in their increasingly desperate search for a striker?
Here is a shortlist of options they could move for to compensate for Vaughan's absence, including rumoured targets, longer shots and gambles.
The in-demand strikers:
GLENN MURRAY
The Crystal Palace striker faces an uncertain future at Selhurst Park after returning from a loan spell at Reading, having netted eight times in 18 league outings for the Royals.
Eagles boss Alan Pardew looks set to sign Blackburn Rovers forward Rudy Gestede in a £5m deal and although Reading will no doubt be keen on recapturing the 31-year-old's services, Town must make their move for a striker who is proven at this level.
DANNY GRAHAM
Another Premier League frontman who has spent time on loan this season in the Championship, but Wolves chose to send the Sunderland striker back to his parent club after scoring just once in five appearances.
Kenny Jackett's men went on to complete the permanent signing of Arsenal striker and former Town loanee Benik Afobe following his productive loan at MK Dons while Graham's future remains unresolved, with Wigan Athletic reported to be interested.
WILL KEANE
A top-flight attacker but one with considerably less experience than the likes of Murray and Graham, although that will not stop Championship clubs from inquiring about the Manchester United youngster.
The 22-year-old has spent time on loan with both Wigan and QPR and now Reading and Blackpool are said to be eyeing his services, but Town could put a spanner in the works with a move.
Rumoured targets:
NADIR CIFTCI
The Turkish sensation is of interest to Powell but Dundee United would have to shift significantly on a reported £3m price tag on the striker's head for any deal to materialise.
Former Portsmouth frontman Ciftci has struck nine times this season for the Tannadice outfit and has 18 months left on his contract, but the Terrors are under no financial pressure to sell having offloaded star assets Ryan Gauld and Andrew Robertson in the summer.
EOIN DOYLE
The Irishman has plundered a stunning 22 goals in 30 games across all competitions this season to alert various clubs and looks set to secure a switch away from the Proact Stadium before the window closes.
Town have moved to distance themselves from speculation regarding a move but must replace the goals Vaughan brings to the side in January or risk being dragged back into the relegation scrap.
JAMES HANSON
Links with the Bradford City striker refuse to go away and having allowed Jon Stead to move back to the Coral Windows Stadium on loan until the end of the season, Town may be able to capitalise on good relations to seal a deal for a former youth product.
Wells and Hanson formed a prolific partnership during the former's stay with at Bradford and, a year after leaving for the John Smith's Stadium and Championship football, the Bermudian could yet be reunited with the rangy Hanson should a move materialise.
The gambles
CHRIS O'GRADY
Moved from Barnsley to Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer but failed to settle down south under former manager Sam Hyypia's reign and went on loan to Sheffield United, where he found the net on one occasion in four outings.
Has since returned to the south coast and a new manager in Chris Hughton but, despite finding the net in an FA Cup win at Brentford, it remains to be seen whether he will stay, particularly with Blades boss Nigel Clough retaining an interest.
NICKY MAYNARD
Frozen out at Cardiff City and, having not played since November, it would be amazing were he to remain at the club beyond the closure of the window, with Bluebirds boss Russell Slade reportedly looking at drafting in another striker.
Maynard has scored just once this season, with that goal coming against Wigan Athletic where he spent a chunk of last season and scored four times in 16 games.
BILLY MCKAY
The prolific striker may currently be plying his trade in the Scottish Premier League but his 52-goal haul over the last two seasons cannot be ignored and he represents an attractive option in that his contract expires in May.
McKay has scored nine times this season already and has been linked with the likes of Bradford and Peterborough but could be worth the risk.
TOM BRADSHAW
Would command a significant transfer fee after only arriving at Walsall from Shrewsbury Town in the summer but on the evidence of his first season at the Banks's Stadium, he is certainly worth the money.
The 22-year-old has 15 goals in 24, a goals-per-game ratio that is comparative to the likes of Premier League hitmen Diego Costa and Sergio Aguero and his goals have fired the Saddlers to within three points of a League One play-off spot and 90 minutes away from a Johnstone's Paint Trophy final.
