CLITHEROE manager Lee Sculpher admits he is suffering the most difficult time of his managerial career.

The Blues have lost five key players, with Lee Cryer being the latest to follow Neil Reynolds, Jason Jones, Mark Stewart and Simon Garner out of Shawbridge.

Striker Cryer has made the step up to UniBond First Division side Rossendale.

But defiant Sculpher has vowed to maintain the side's bid to clinch top spot in the North West Counties First Division.

"All that matters now, and I'll say this no matter who leaves, are the players who are still at the club," he said.

"This is the biggest test I've faced as a manager. I'm very disappointed at what's gone on over the last month and, obviously, I have to start asking questions as to why good players are leaving.

"Is it something at the club? I'd like to think it isn't but good players can't keep leaving Clitheroe.

"One or two have said it's because they want to play every week, others have said it's because they want a step up in standard.

"But I'd hoped they would do that with Clitheroe. We are joint top of the league and have only lost two league games so far this season.

"Personally, I can't understand what they would want than to be part of a winning team."

Citheroe will be without Barrie Hart as they entertain Salford City in the league tonight, however Andy Cowking is expected to return.

Sculpher added: "There are three lads from the reserves who were involved on Saturday and probably a fourth one will feature tonight.

"One good thing that can come out of this is that we unearth a superstar."