DECLAN Edwards has returned to parent club Stockport County following a three-months loan stay at the Victoria Stadium.

The teenage front man made just one appearance – lasting 24 minutes – for Northwich Victoria in Blue Square North, starting two others in minor cup competitions.

He last played in green and white a month ago.

“We’re sad to see him go,” said Vics boss Andy Preece.

“I think Declan has been really unlucky as the form of other players here, plus the fact he has struggled with one or two niggling injuries, has meant he has not had a chance to show what he can do.”

Ironically, Preece is in need of firepower with Jonny Allan out injured until the New Year and Mark Danks set to miss four the next half dozen matches through suspension.

Mat Bailey has filled in as an emergency striker in Vics’ past two league matches.

Ireland-born Edwards impressed as a second half substitute on his debut at Gainsborough Trinity in September, a match that Northwich won 4-1.

But he toiled without success to make an impact after that.

He scored his only goal for the club in their Mid-Cheshire FA Senior Cup rout of neighbours Middlewich Town, one of his only two starts.

Meanwhile another Northwich attacker, Cayne Hanley, has signed for UniBond Premier Division outfit Buxton.

He has had spells on loan at North West Counties League Premier Division promotion hopefuls New Mills and Burscough, the Bucks’ league rivals, since the start of the season.