WITTON Albion have sold one of their contracted players to Southport - in a deal that sees him loaned back to the Wincham Park club.

Defender Adam Anson, 22, will move to the Vanarama National League North side permanently when the loan runs out at the end of February.

Albion chairman John Salmon said: "Adam was a contract player with a release clause.

"The Southport FC offer exceeded this figure and, while we do not want to sell our best players, we will never stand in any player’s way if they want to play at a higher level."

Anson has been a mainstay in the heart of the Witton defence since joining the club during the close-season from Chorley, making 33 appearances to date and scoring one goal – a penalty against Scarborough Athletic.

Anson remains available for tomorrow's home game against Stafford Rangers in the BetVictor Northern Premier League, kick-off 3pm.