LEAGUE leaders Lye Town are looking to have a new striker in place for Saturday’s trip to Pegasus Juniors after losing top marksman Ricky Anslow to Chasetown this week.

Joint boss Martin Thomas admitted Anslow’s absence would prove a big loss but said: “We would never stand in any player’s way who would want to progress. You can’t hold people back.

“He goes to Chasetown with our blessing but the door remains open for him here”.

Anslow has proved a huge hit at since since arriving at Lye from AFC Wulfrunians last season.

Despite damaging his ankle in pre-season training, which forced him to miss the first six weeks of the season, Anslow has already gone onto score 25 goals in 20 appearences.

Whoever arrives to replace Anslow will likely partner Kevin Nickle in attack, who has impressed since arriving at Lye from West Midland League rivals Smethwick Rangers this season.

However, Nickle is trying to shake-off a hamstring injury in time to face Pegasus while Scott Gennard still has three matches of a four match ban to serve.

Thomas said: “With all the matches being called off, this could become one of the longest four match bans in history.

Lye impressed with a 1-1 draw against Northern Premier side Rushall Olympic when the teams met in a beat the weather friendly fixture.

Thomas added: “We gave a very good account of ourselves and Rushall were very complimentary.”