NORTHWICH front man Joe Bunney’s form during a trial has earned him a non-contract deal with Football League club Rochdale.

The teenager, on target 13 times for Vics in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League’s second tier to date this season, will train with the Lancashire outfit during the week.

For the remainder of this season at least, he will continue to play for Lee Ashcroft’s team.

“I see a roughness to the player and really good aspects of his game that need developing,” Rochdale boss Keith Hill told the League Two club’s official website.

“It’s a punt, but I think there’s an uncut diamond there.”

Bunney, 19, followed Ashcroft to Northwich following the manager’s departure from Kendal before Christmas.

He has hailed the Vics’ boss’ part in his rapid progress over the past three months.

Northwich, eighth in Division One South, have recruited another youngster to help during the run-in.

Josh Amis, previously on work experience from Preston North End, returned to the club for a second spell this week.

Meanwhile Northwich, the current holders, will play Winsford United in the Mid Cheshire FA Senior Cup final next month following Blues’ impressive 2-1 win at Witton Albion on Tuesday.

The game is scheduled for Thursday, April 25 at Blues’ Barton Stadium home, kick off 7.45pm.