BLUES striker Tim Grice has been challenged to win back his spot in the starting 11 by firing Leek Town through to the next round of the FA Carlsberg Trophy.
New signing Peter Wright has already forged an impressive partnership with Matt Haddrell after bagging four goals in his first two starts. But the former Port Vale forward is unavailable for Saturday's trip to Evo-Stik First Division North outfit Warrington Town.
"We felt we needed another one in to push the competition for places with Gricey and Matt," said Blues boss Lee Casswell. "He has to keep doing well because Gricey has been brilliant when he's come on. Peter Wright isn't available for Saturday so Gricey will come in. If he does well he keeps the shirt - simple as that."
Wright celebrated his home debut with a hat-trick against a limited Bewdley Town outfit in Saturday's FA Cup first qualifying round tie. Leek ran out 5-0 winners and Casswell praised his side's professional approach. The Blues boss said: "The professional attitude was fantastic to see. It could have been more in the end. Sometimes it can be tough - you can take it easy against lower league sides.
"The draw has given us another opportunity to progress but it will be tough against Bridgnorth Town. It wont be easy."
Leek host the Midland Alliance side on Saturday week with £4,500 up for grabs for the winner. It means the Harrison Park side will not return to league action until Tuesday, September 25 at Market Drayton Town. Leek have slipped down to 13th in First Division South after picking up just one point from their last two league games.
But Casswell was reasonably content to take a share of the spoils from the midweek 1-1 draw with Belper Town. Wright marked his debut with a 62nd minute opener. But the visitors were pegged back by Simon Harrison's direct free-kick 11 minutes later.
The manager said: "Before we went there we would have taken that. We were a little disappointed at the end. Belper play a certain way. They go from the back to the front pretty quickly. The only reason we've not collected all three points is that we've gone and given a daft free-kick away."
