CLITHEROE have missed the chance to pick up two new strikers - but boss Lee Sculpher isn't too worried.

They had hoped to attract Ian Vickers from Blackpool Mechanics and Matt Swailes, currently at Darwen, to the NWCL Division One high flyers.

But the player-manager says the deal with Vickers is off although he does harbour hopes of getting former Chorley striker Swailes in the future.

"I had a good chat with Matt and he has been sent to Darwen to get his fitness. He told me he is returning to Salford next week and he will see how things go.

"He said if it doesn't work out he will be quite willing to speak to me again."

But while it is a bit of a disappointment, Sculpher is not overly concerned.

"The reasons I wanted a new striker was because we weren't scoring goals - which we are now - and because Lee Cryer wasn't fit, but he will be available tomorrow.

"So it has become less of a priority."

Striker Cryer has been out for eight weeks with a knee injury but could get his chance at Congleton tomorrow.

The former UniBond side have been struggling this season but have just appointed former Wigan player Kevin Langley to the helm.

"You have always to be on your guard when teams get new managers and they have already beaten Flixton this week so we won't be taking anything for granted."

Carl Greenwood has recovered from a groin strain but Neil Reynolds will miss the game with the same complaint.