BLACK Country Rangers have suffered a pre-season blow with the loss of leading striker Lee Chilton.

Former Conference marksman Chilton has switched to Midland League side Sporting Khalsa.

Black Country boss Tony Maffei confirmed: "It's a big blow. I took over with 13 games to go last season and Lee scored 22 times, so it shows how important he was to us.

"However, I've been running the rule over a number of strikers in pre-season, in fact we've had 30 odd players attending training which has been a great response.

"I've had quite a number of lads from Walsall Wood's Under-21 side all looking to take their chance, some of which are very good players".

Black Country lost out 1-0 to a late penalty against Tividale last Saturday.

They visit Warstones this Saturday and then travel to take on Midland League Division One side Studley next Tuesday.