FC Halifax Town will have another chance to advance to the First Round of the FA Trophy when they face Matlock Town at the MBi Shay Stadium on Tuesday night. Ahead of that fixture, let’s have a quick look at the biggest stories from around the National League North, where it all seems to have gone a bit transfer-mad.
Firstly, if you cast your minds back around three months ago, you may remember a certain Keil O’Brien joining the Shaymen on loan from National League’s Southport. Keil has now joined Stalybridge Celtic permanently after his release from the Sandgrounders. The centre-back joined Stalybridge for a four-game loan spell back in October and has now joined Steve Halford and Paul Phillips at the Celts on a permanent basis.
Next up, Boston United have signed the York City duo of Ben Clappison, 22, and Josh Robinson, 23, as they look to bolster their defence. Both centre-backs have signed loan deals that last up to the end of January. The Pilgrims currently lie in 17th, four points of the relegation places, and it comes as no surprise that the defence is being targeted as an area of improvement as Boston have only won once in their last eight, and conceded 24 goals in that same timeframe.
Another loan signing is that of Hartlepool United’s goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski who has joined Darlington 1883 on a month long deal. The keeper is expected to start in Sunday’s Buildbase FA Trophy game against Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division outfit Marine AFC, replacing Peter Jameson who has now begun his three game suspension after his red card away at AFC Telford United last weekend.
Gainsborough Trinity have signed former Sulphurite Laurie Wilson. The 31-year old started his career at Sheffield Wednesday, before moving onto clubs such as Kidderminster Harriers, Alfreton Town, Harrogate Town and Buxton. His most recent club was Billy Heath’s former club Frickley Athletic and he joins Dominic Roma’s squad a few days after ex-Mansfield man Adam Chapman.
And lastly, Mark Shelton has departed Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division side Ilkeston FC to join fellow Derbyshire club, Alfreton Town. The former Burton Albion man joins Nicky Law’s Reds after being a crucial member of the Robins squad under Paul Holland, scoring vital goals over Barwell in the league and FA Cup.
Former Forest Green Rovers forward and Gibraltar international Reece Styche has joined Nuneaton Town from Neil Aspin’s Gateshead. As Jordan Burrow joins the Heed, Styche joins Kevin Wilson’s Boro until January 2nd, looking to grab himself more game time. Despite having just the one international cap under his belt, Styche did play over 100 games for Forest Green so brings plenty of experience to Nuneaton.
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