Manager Simon Line is hoping to bolster his threadbare Market Drayton Town squad ahead of tonight’s crucial Evo Stik League division one south basement battle at Leek.

The Greenfields men have seen their numbers reduced in recent weeks, particularly defensively with the departure of Steve Jagielka and Dan Barnett.

And with Will Richards now returning to AFC Telford after a loan spell, Line is aware his numbers need bolstering.

“Will has gone back to Telford so they can have a good look at him,” said the Drayton chief.

“He has done very well for us and we thank Andy Sinton (Telford manager) for allowing him to come here.

“Will knows he will be very welcome here in the future if he needs to get more games.

“We have got one or two irons in the fire in terms of signings and there is a chance we could get someone in for tonight.”

Fifth-from-bottom Drayton head to Staffordshire to take on a Leek side who are one place below them and level on points.

But Drayton do have four games in hand and Line is hoping his side take advantage of another opportunity to pull clear of the drop zone.

“We go there looking for the three points because the quicker we put daylight between ourselves and the teams below us, the better,” he added.

“But we know it will not be easy. I’m sure the pitch will be very heavy and it will be a case of who wants it most, just like it will be until the end of the season.”

Striker Tom Ward, who has made appearances for Shawbury this season, will be in the Drayton squad tonight while full-back Simon Gregory returns from injury.