March Town boss Brett Whaley is hoping to sign their opponents’ star player before a big Fenland derby this Saturday.

Cambs Times: March Manager Brett WhaleyMarch Manager Brett Whaley (Image: AdGarry Samuels)

The Hares chief has made an approach for Wisbech St Mary striker Jack Friend ahead of the two clubs’ clash at the GER, 3pm.

It’s a swoop which is certain to give an extra edge to the Thurlow Nunn League First Division North clash in which seventh-placed March will be favourites to triumph against third-bottom visitors.

Whaley said: “Jack is a player with a terrific goalscoring record at this level in the past season-and-a-half.

“He is exactly the type of player in that he is relatively local, still pretty young and definitely has his best years ahead of him.

“I’m expecting an answer from Jack before the weekend and hopefully it will be good news for us.

“He will hopefully be a March Town player by 3pm on Saturday, but of course he could still end up playing against us if he chooses to stay at Wisbech St Mary.

“We’re always looking to strengthen all areas of our squad and we will never be afraid to make approaches for lads who we feel can add to the quality already at the club.”

The possible arrival of Friend could be well-timed for March as striker Craig Gillies serves a one-match suspension tomorrow.

And Whaley is hopeful his side can bounce back from a disappointing defeat to another set of local rivals, Downham Town, in their last outing. They bowed out of the First Division KO Cup when beaten 3-1 on November 6.

Whaley added: “We’ve had to stew on that result for a few days after not playing last weekend. I’m looking for - and confident I will get - the right reaction in another important derby.

“Wisbech St Mary are under a new manager and picked up their first win for a long time in their last game. That shows we cannot afford to take them lightly.”