NORTHWICH Victoria manager Paul Moore has acted quickly to replace Godwin Abadaki after the front man accepted an offer to join league rivals Shaw Lane.

A goal in a 3-1 defeat against Lincoln United in midweek was his eighth in all competitions for Vics this season.

However he will complete the campaign with a side hoping to be crowned as champions.

His successor is Favour Imade, a forward that started the current campaign with Atherton LR in the North West Counties League’s second-tier.

He scored seven times in 13 starts for the Greater Manchester outfit.

Fellow newcomer Cesaire Lingouba, formerly of Stalybridge, could also make his debut this weekend.

Moore said: “Both lads are different to what we have.

“It’s difficult to bring in experienced players at such a late stage in the season, but they’re big and powerful and will make us physically stronger.”

Vics resume a battle to survive on the field when they host promotion play-offs hopefuls AFC Rushden & Diamonds tomorrow, kick off 3pm.

They do so still ranked last in the Northern Premier League Division One South table, although third-bottom Loughborough Dynamo are only three points better off.

A midweek reverse to in-form Lincoln means they still require 16 points – to reach a target of 35 – according to Moore.

“They were strong, but we let ourselves down again in vital areas,” said the former Colwyn Bay boss.

“We can learn lessons from that, but our position is unchanged – it’s firmly in our hands whether we stay up or not.

“We’re proving hard to beat, but we’re desperate to pick up wins.”

He will be without striker Dave Short, who serves the second of a three-match ban as punishment for his dismissal against Shaw Lane at the start of the month.

Jake Doran has been released.

Visitors Rushden have lost their past three Division One South matches, slipping from the promotion play-offs places as a result.

They make the trip without injured captain Richard Bunting (calf), but boosted by the return of winger Shawn Richards following a spell with higher-ranked Brackley.