DAVID Fitzpatrick has returned to Northwich Victoria after a two-months stay at New Mills.

The versatile midfielder answered manager Andy Preece’s call this week with Lewis Short facing a fight to be fit to face neighbours Chester on Boxing Day.

“He was never out of our plans,” said the Vics boss.

“Lewis has played a lot of matches without a break, so we need to be careful how we use him while he recovers.”

Fitzpatrick, 21, watched from the sidelines in midweek when Northwich relinquished their Cheshire FA Senior Cup crown in a 2-1 defeat against Stalybridge Celtic.

He is available to play against title rivals Chester if needed.

Evo-Stik NPL Division One South newcomers New Mills will be sorry to see him go after four goals in 10 starts, but the chance to re-establish himself at Northwich is too good to turn down.

Preece told the Guardian he considered ended Adam Sumner’s stay at AFC Fylde, but opted to let the former Fleetwood Town full back continue playing regular football there instead.