BARROW AFC manager Ian Evatt has challenged the other strikers at the club to step up to the mark while Scott Quigley misses the next three games through suspension.

Quigley was shown the first red card of his career in the 2-0 defeat against Notts County for a late challenge on visiting goalkeeper Joe McDonnell.

The 27-year-old will unquestionably be missed by the Bluebirds as, with 20 goals this season, is the leading scorer in the National League and has given Evatt the cutting edge up front that was missing for much of his first season in charge.

Evatt does have the experienced Byron Harrison to call upon, as well as loanees Olly Dyson and Jack Vale, who could make his debut against Wrexham on Saturday after arriving from Blackburn Rovers last week.

Evatt said: "Jack is going to have to step up and Byron is going to have to step up and Olly Dyson is going to have to step up and they've got to show me this week that they are ready to play and they're ready to fight for it.

"Quigs' absence is a big void for us and a bit hole to fill and hopefully they can go out there and do that."

Quigley won't be available until the match against second-placed Harrogate on Wednesday, April 1 with Town increasing the pressure on the Bluebirds in recent weeks by reducing their lead at the top of the National League to four points.

Evatt believes his side hold the better hand with nine games of the season left, saying: "For 60 minutes against Notts County we looked like we were going to win the game comfortably and a refereeing decision can change it.

"We have to have our own belief and it's in our hands - it doesn't matter what Harrogate do, it matters what we do and if we win football matches then we give ourselves the best opportunity to go and win this league.

"It's not for the lack of effort, we'll keep fighting , we'll try and improve this week because we need to improve and we'll go again against Wrexham."