manager Steve Wilkes has stepped up his search for a centre forward.

The Storks have lost leading goalscorer Daniel Stubberfield to NWCL Division One neighbours Ramsbottom and Wilkes is keen to snap up a predator to help keep Padiham at the top of the pile.

"I've put the feelers out for a centre forward and am hoping to bring one in by the weekend," said the Storks boss ahead of tomorrow's game at Norton United.

"We've got points in the bag whereas the teams behind us need to get them to catch up, but I need someone to start putting the ball in the back of the net on a regular basis.

"Mark Westhead has been fantastic for me all season but he's just lacking in confidence in front of goal.

"He had three great chances on Saturday and didn't hit the target."

Ross Barnham and Matt Anderton are hoping to shake off knocks in time for tomorrow but Steve Pickup is likely to be sidelined for around three weeks after spraining his ankle.