JOHN Hughes is urging Chorley to fire their way out of trouble.

The struggling Magpies finally found the winning formula when they beat neighbours Clitheroe 2-0 at Victory Park last week, ending a run of seven consecutive league defeats.

Their progress was hindered when they bowed out of the FA Trophy at Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday.

But manager Hughes is keen to build on the three points picked up in the derby clash.

"We are playing top sides at the moment but no-one's battering us," he said.

"No-one's giving us a lesson in how to play football.

"We're playing well but we need to start putting the ball in the net because that's what wins games."

Hughes added that he was stepping up his search for a striker following a disagreement with Dave Gray.

The former Bacup front man stormed down the tunnel after being substituted late in the first half against Clitheroe.

Hughes said: "I don't think he will be with us again.

"I was changing things because he wasn't giving us the pace we needed up front.

"But his reaction proved he isn't a squad player."

Hughes revealed he was hoping to speak to two strikers while planning to add a defender to his squad ahead of tonight's home game against Mossley.

Chorley will be without Jamie Vermiglio due to a chipped bone in his foot, Jason Jones returns to midfield after missing Saturday's defeat while Matt Woods misses the first of three games with suspension.