Foster signs for old foes Witton (From Northwich Guardian)

Steve Foster joins Witton Albion after leaving Salford City

1:10pm Thursday 6th August 2009 in Sport By Andrew Simpson

GARY Finley will ask a former foe of Witton to fire the Wincham Park club back to the UniBond Premier Division at the first attempt.

He signed striker Steve Foster – a thorn in Albion’s side during spells at AFC Telford United and Fleetwood Town – on Sunday to end almost a month of talks.

“It’s great to finally get my man,” said Finley.

“Steve is exactly what we need; he’s a proven goalscorer at this level and has that knack of being in the right place at the right time.”

Indeed, the front runner hit a first half hat-trick in a midweek friendly win over tenants Runcorn Linnets.

He followed that with a brace in Tuesday’s 3-0 success at neighbours Warrington Town.

Foster’s goals helped keep Salford City in UniBond Division One North last term, where he played in tandem with now Witton teammate Stuart Rudd, netting 16 goals to help the Greater Manchester outfit beat the drop.

Finley added: “I feel that with Stuart [Rudd] and of course Mike [Moseley] we have plenty of firepower.

“Two strikers can’t play all the matches, so there is room for three.

“At first Steve was asking for money we could not afford and I could have done with closing the deal before he scored three against Runcorn to be honest!

“But he did well and I’m delighted he’s agreed to play for Witton.”

Finley will continue to tinker with his attack in Friday’s friendly against Accrington Stanley at Wincham Park, kick off 7.30pm.