CRADLEY Town have lost star man Lee Chilton to neighbours Lye Town.

The attacker has stepped up to the Midland Premier League side after a seven-day approach was made by boss Craig Harris.

Chilton hit the ground running for his new side when finding the back of the net as Lye beat Quorn last Saturday.

Cradley's game with Shifnal was called off due to a waterlogged pitch meaning they still haven't played since their loss to Dudley Town to end 2017.

Manager Andy Wyton is disappointed to lose Chilton but called on his squad to fill the gap.

He said: "It's a shame we have lost Lee because he's been such a good player for us.

"Lye have come in and offered him more money and he's decided to go and I understand that.

"I have Geoff Hill back again so his goals should help us cover his loss. It's up to the players to step up now.

"I'm still angry about the defeat to Dudley and won't let the players forget it until they put it right.

"I still want a big reaction from them when we do get back underway."

Cradley go to Hereford Lads Club this Saturday looking to keep themselves well in the West Midlands Premier League's promotion picture.

"Hereford will be a really tough test for us," he added. "They have shown they are more than capable of upsetting the top sides in this league.

"If we can have a good month now then there is no reason we can't push ourselves near the top of the table. We still have a lot of the sides above us to play as well."

Wyton has bolstered his ranks with the loan signing of midfielder Matt Martin from Sporting Khalsa.