PICKERING Town have failed in a move for Bridlington Town striker Brett Agnew after losing Ged Dalton for the next six weeks, writes Ian Appleyard.

Manager Paul Marshall held talks with Agnew after Dalton suffered a broken rib against Handsworth Parramore last weekend.

The former Hull United striker is currently the joint leading marksman in the Northern Counties East League with 21 goals but has opted to stay at rivals Bridlington who are also pushing for promotion.

Marshall told the Gazette & Herald that Dalton's absence is a 'massive blow' for the Pikes who were seeking victory last night against Hemsworth Miners Welfare to move up to fourth spot in the table.

Marshall will step up his search for a new striker ahead of Saturday's trip to third placed Liversedge but also has former York City striker Ben Hirst and the fit-again Sam Calvert pushing for a place.

Dalton suffered his injury after an early challenge from a Handsworth defender that also saw him collide with a pitch barrier and advertising hoardings.

There were initially fears that Dalton might have punctured a lung and he was still being treated by ambulance staff in the dressing room come the halftime interval.

Marshall, who was forced to give his halftime team-talk on the pitch due to the situation, said: "We were very concerned about Ged when it happened. The lad smashed into him after winning the ball and Ged was not moving. Fortunately, he had suffered 'only' a broken rib but he was taken to hospital and is now off work.

"He will be unavailable for a minimum of six weeks and his loss is a massive blow," Marshall added. "We are short on numbers and are desperate for a striker."

Confirming his interest in Agnew, Marshall said: "We spoke and served notice of our intentions but he wanted to stay there. It is a shame because he is one of the best strikers in the league."

Marshall's options against Liversedge are boosted by the return of midfielder Nathan Kamara following a three game ban.

The game is undoubtedly a 'six-pointer' in terms of the promotion race but, significantly, Liversedge have played four more games and have also lost four of their last five league games.

"They are a young team and sometimes you get a blip from a group of young players," said Marshall. "Hopefully, we are getting them at a good time."

Second half goals from Joe Danby and Ryan Blott secured last weekend's 2-0 victory over promotion rivals Handsworth Parramore at Mill Lane.

Danby broke the deadlock in the 74th minute - finishing off a cross from Nick Thompson.

Blott doubled the advantage just five minutes later after a Danby shot was blocked by defender Gareth Griffiths.

The game was marred by the injury to Dalton who was replaced by Jules Gabbiadini.

Substitute Gabbiadini was replaced with 17 minutes remaining by Alex Robinson - but he only lasted five minutes due to a hamstring injury and subsequently had to be replaced by Denny Ingram.

The FA Vase game against Shildon takes place on Saturday, November 12, kick-off 3pm.

The North Riding CFA Senior Cup game against Redcar Athletic takes place at Mill Lane on Tuesday, November 29, kick off 7.45pm.

The home game against Harrogate Railway Athletic, scheduled for Tuesday, December 6, has been postponed due to the County Cup.

Pikes V Handsworth: Wells, Parker, Danby, Chipps, Bissett, Tilsley, Thompson, Cooper, Blott, Dalton (Gabbiadini 4 (Robinson 73 (Ingram 78))), Taylor. Attendance: 133.