FARSLEY manager Neil Parsley is hoping to have a replacement for Marcus Edwards in his squad before they host Ossett Albion this weekend.

Parsley's men are sixth in Division One North and can climb back into the play-off places with a win over struggling Evo-Stik League rivals Albion.

Edwards has played his part in Farsley being promotion candidates but Parsley said: "Marcus felt he wanted to move on for a fresh challenge.

"He felt he was a bit-part player but the statistics certainly don't back that theory up. He started 13 of our 19 games, coming on as a sub in the other six, and has scored six goals for us.

"A few have left the club and Aaron Hardy's hip injury needs surgery and he could miss the rest of the season. So we're thin on the ground at the moment and looking to bring players in, both on loan and permanent.

"I'm hoping to sign someone short term to bolster the squad before the Ossett game."

All five of the clubs above Farsley have played more games than them, while 18th-placed opponents Albion – who are below Brighouse Town on goal difference – have played more games than most of the strugglers, other than rock-bottom Padiham.

Brighouse Town travel to ninth-placed Mossley, who are only three points adrift of Farsley, so are still promotion contenders themselves.

Town are only four points above the drop zone but go into the game on the back of a confidence-boosting midweek League Cup win.

Paul Quinn's men beat Division One South outfit Stocksbridge Park Steels thanks to a Billy Law header seven minutes from time. A Tom Matthews penalty had hauled them level at 1-1 just 16 minutes from time.