CHORLEY will be without hot shot Andy Mason for tomorrow's first round FA Trophy game against Farsley Celtic at Victory Park.

Former Hull and Leigh RMI forward Mason has scored 12 goals since his move in the summer but is on a residential course and will miss this weekend's Trophy clash.

"He has scored 12 goals in 15 starts and somebody like that is obviously important to have at the club," said Wright. "It is disappointing as you always want everyone to play, especially your leading scorer. But it is something that has been planned since the beginning of the season.

"Andy has done well for us. You need someone who can score 20-odd goals in the season and Andy is our man.

"He is someone who has the knack of being in the right place at the right time and he has been that throughout his career.

"Some games you are looking for him, wondering what he has done, and then he will pop up and score and that is why he is so important to us."

Chorley had an inconsistent start to the season, but have picked up and are unbeaten in three games.

And, after making a number of new signings in the summer, Wright feels his side is finally gelling.

"We had to go into a certain market place to buy our players and I think the ones we have got will be long term-assets," said the boss.

The Magpies, apart from Mason, searched the lower leagues and the Chorley chief thinks he might have unearthed some gems.

"We got Dave Sutch from Blackrod, he is a pacey striker who has good control and he can score goals.

"He is still on a learning curve, though. As is Noel Corrigan who is just 21-year's-old but he has done well.

"We also got Scott Bradford from Squires Gate. Scott has perhaps found it harder than the other two to secure a first team place regulary but he is a good player and is only a young lad."

Another player Wright is full of praise for is central defender Lee Molyneux who Chorley signed from North West Counties side Daisy Hill. The 22-year-old is recovering after knee ligament damage but came back into the side last week.

"He was excellent in the midweek 1-1 draw with Kendal. He played really well," said the Magpies chief. "We are building for the future and they are only young lads who are still finding their feet at this level."

Chorley may have a pyscological advantage tomorrow as they enjoyed a 3-2 victory over Farsley Celtic early in the season.

"That will count for nothing," said Wright, who led Horwich to the last eight of the Trophy as a manager.

"Farsley have picked up since and had one or two decent results. It will be a different game than the one we played in the league.

"It is a prestigious competition for non-League sides and we want to progress."

If Chorley get the better of Farsley, they will travel to either Belper Town or Runcorn in the next round.