CLITHEROE could be set to lose top scorer Gary Jackson for six weeks.

The striker, who tops the UniBond Division One goalscoring charts with 13 in all competitions, suffered knee ligament damage in Tuesday's win over Woodley Sports.

He stood on the ball towards the end of the UniBond League Challenge Cup tie and now faces a long spell on the sidelines.

Clitheroe manager Tommy Lawson said: "It's a major, major blow for us. He's been doing so well this season and everyone feels for him.

"He chased a ball into the corner trying to keep it in and as he put his foot on the ball it took his weight and he twisted on it.

"One of their lads who was warming up by the touchline said he heard a crack so it sounded serious.

"But there's no break, which is a blessing, so we will assess him when all the swelling has gone down.

"The physio said he could be out for anything between three to six weeks but it depends on the damage. If it's the cruciate it could be even longer.

"It's hard on the lad."

In terms of replacing Jackson, who is the only player on a contract at Shawbridge, Lawson can take heart from the form of Tony Evans.

He took his tally to nine goals for the season with a double in the 4-2 win over Woodley, and Alan Coar is likely to partner him at home to Stocksbridge Park Steels tomorrow.

Central defender Brian Holmes will also come into the squad for the league game, after Lawson signed him from his former club Prescot Cables.

"His experience will be helpful," said the manager. "Lancaster have approached George Melling and he's speaking to them.

"It's not a foregone conclusion, but if he does decide to go, I feel I've already got that covered."

Also on target against Woodley was Chris Whittingham, who has been welcomed back after a spell with Ramsbottom United.

"He's expressed a desire to be involved so I felt it was an opportunity to invite him into the squad, " said Lawson.

"He was delighted not only with his own performance, as he's every right to be, but with the way we played and the dressing room.

"Everything was positive so now he wants to commit himself totally."

Clitheroe have also retained the UniBond registration of Russell Clarke, who has joined Colne after losing his place since Melling signed from Altrincham.

For the Blues, a home game with Stocksbridge gives them the chance to get their play-off push back on track after losing 2-0 to bottom side Belper last weekend.

Lawson added: "We thought Belper were a team we should have beaten. Their keeper had an inspired game but it was up to us to break them down."