SKIPPER Lea Shaw has quit Stourport Swifts ahead of one of the biggest games in their history on Saturday.

Swifts head to former Football League club Chester City in the FA Trophy third round without Shaw who has left for Dr Martens Western Division rivals Bilston.

Player-boss Tim Langford is again trying to add to his squad after already contending with the loss of top scorer Lee Booth to Redditch.

But Langford, who has snapped up Rushall striker Andy Wright, believes he has the talent at his disposal to cover for Shaw at Conference strugglers Chester.

He said: "I don't think he's 100 per cent sure that he's made the right decision. I've told him if it doesn't work out, he has my number.

"It's taken him 10 days to make his mind up but he has conducted himself amicably. I did say we were a better club who could improve him as a player, as we can with every player.

"I can only wish him the best as he's done well for us and has impressed since he came back from his injuries before Christmas.

"For squad purposes, I might need to bring somebody in but I have probably got the midfielders who can fill the gap for now."

Shaw had also been linked with former Swifts boss Rod Brown at Redditch.

Langford planned talks with Oldbury United goal-poacher Richard Ball, a former West Brom youngster, yesterday.

Tividale midfielder Richard Taylor, who was at Walshes Meadow last season, is another target, while Langford has confirmed the addition of Wright, ironically recommended by a now former Swift.

He said: "It was Lea Shaw who told me about him. Andy's scored a few goals for Rushall but has been on the bench a lot.

"He's got gastro-enteritis at the moment but is on medication from the doctor so we will see how he is for Saturday.

"He's just moved to the Kidderminster area and I'm told he's played for Stourport before. He's very quick and tall-ish at 5ft 11ins or so.

"The vibes are good with Richard Ball as I'm told he wants to play at a higher standard. He was at Bloxwich before they left the league."

Striker Kerry Giddings is cup-tied for Chester but Simon Marsh (hamstring) and Mark Dearlove (knee) came through a friendly on Tuesday when Swifts beat West Midlands League side Brierley Hill and Hagley 4-0.

Matt Southwick (two), Alex Cowley and Giddings scored in the game arranged due to recent postponements, including Saturday's league game with Western-super-Mare.

Langford has pointed towards Southwick and Cowley as being potential match-winners as Swifts look to create a weekend shock .

Chester appointed ex-England defender Mark Wright as manager this week but fell 2-1 at home to Northwich Victoria on Tuesday and have won one of the last nine games.

Mark Beesley is their top scorer with 11 goals.

Langford added: "The fans must be wondering what's going on as that's their fourth managerial appointment in six months.

"Financially, they are struggling and if we can get on top and go a goal in-front on Saturday then who knows how their crowd will react.

"We will give it our best shot as there is nothing to lose. We managed to score five goals against Bishop Auckland in the last round, while Chester have not won many games.

"All their squad will want to prove themselves to Mark Wright but he only has a short space of time to work with them.

"Getting through to the next round would be of big benefit to us financially. I just hope we give a good account of ourselves and people aren't left saying 'If only'.

"If we can get good games from Alex and Matt running from midfield then they will be two key players. When I saw Chester, they didn't tend to pick up the runners from midfield."

If a replay is needed, it will be at Walshes Meadow on Tuesday night (7.45pm).