ANDY Preece added a second defender to bolster his threadbare squad last night, Friday, after persuading teenager Sam Barnes to kickstart his career in Northwich.

The former Stockport County youth team captain is available to face Mickleover Sports later today, Saturday.

Liverpool-born Barnes, 19, left Edgeley Park in the summer, going on to have a trial at Premier League giants Manchester United and Everton.

He joins Pedro Monteiro, who agreed non-contract terms with the play-offs hopefuls on Friday too, as cover for injured pair Matthew Brown and Steve Woods (both groin).

Michael Byron damaged his right shoulder after crashing into a pitch-side board at Hucknall last weekend, but played through pain in the midweek Cheshire FA Senior Cup win against Warrington Town.

He is expected to recover in time to face in-form Sports, but the latest loan spell of Preston stopper Dominic Collins has ended.