WITTON Albion have boosted their squad with the signing of a new goalkeeper.
Cameron Terry has returned to the club, following a brief stint minding the nets in 2018.
After spells with Clitheroe and Nantwich Town, Terry was with Widnes FC from 2022 until the end of their promotion-winning 2024/25 season.
But Widnes’ resignation of their senior side has been Witton’s gain in terms of recruiting Terry.
Meanwhile, Witton’s under 18s captain Harry Woods has signed terms for the new campaign.
He made two substitute appearances for Ben Harrison’s senior side last season.
Friendly matches have continued in the build-up to the Northern Premier League West season and Albion were 2-1 victors at home to Litherland REMYCA on Saturday courtesy of goals from Tomy Hoyle (43mins) and Mamadou Djabi (54mins), while Happi-Frankom (55mins) pulled a goal back for the visitors.
Witton visit Runcorn Town FC tonight, Tuesday, before hosting Northwich Victoria on Saturday, kick-off 3pm and then making the trip to Ashton United next Tuesday, July 22, kick-off 7.45pm.
Our area’s three Midland League Premier Division sides – 1874 Northwich, Northwich Victoria and Winsford United – are also firming up their squads ahead of the new season getting underway next month.
1874 have recruited former Glossop North End attacker Kyle Worsley.
The 20-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at Wigan Athletic, spent a season playing in Dubai with TFA Dubai FC.
He scored 1874’s third goal in their recent 3-0 win over Stockport Georgians.
“Kyle is a very technical player and will add that extra guile in the final third,” said manager Chris Herbert.
“He can play anywhere across the front line or as a number 10. He is an exciting player, I watched him in his time at Wigan Athletic and he suits everything we are looking to do this season.”
And Herbert has also brought in central defender Joe Bayliss, who recently featured for College of DuPage in America.
The 1874 manager described Bayliss as ‘a big strong physical centre back, who reads the game well, organises and suits what we have been looking for.’
Herbert added: “We were left slightly short defensively after losing Matty Fenton, and Tom Morris being injured at present.
“So, we needed to get a centre half, or maybe two, through the door, but they have to be the right ones and Joe fits that exactly.”
1874 were 5-2 victors at Cammell Laird in Saturday’s friendly, with goals coming from Jack Woolley, Mike Hayes and two trialists.
They head to Droylsden tonight, Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm, and then face Barnton at Townfield on Saturday, kick-off 2pm, before entertaining Abbey Hey next Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm.
Vics, meanwhile, have signed wingers Zeke Eme and Pete Morgan.
Eme has previously played under manager Lee Duckworth, who said: “He can operate in a number of forward positions, has pace, flair and an eye for goal, so I’m sure will bring a lot to the squad this season once fully fit.
“He’s a top player with a great attitude, so I’m looking forward to watching him flourish with the squad.”
Eme added: “I’ve played with some of the lads before and played under Ducko so I know what we can achieve here.
“The club’s got a great history with big plans of getting back where they belong and I’m excited to be a part of that.”
Co-manager Luke Goddard is full of praise for fellow new addition Morgan.
“He has huge potential to rise through the leagues in the coming years,” he said.
“As part of our recruitment, Pete’s been on our radar for several months. He fits the profile we’re looking to develop – raw talent, bags of ability, and crucially, the right mindset.
“Since day one of pre-season, he’s shown the attitude and work rate needed to progress. If he sticks with the plan and continues to grow, he’s someone Trickies fans will love watching week in, week out.”
Will Lloyd scored Vics’ goal in a 1-1 draw with Prescot Cables on Saturday.
Promoted rivals Winsford United have also announced new signings as well as a glut of retained players over the past few weeks.
Powerhouse midfielder Carl Rogers has been brought in from Allscott Heath FC, defender Ashton Brogan from Alsager Town FC and Connor Hooks from Winsford Town.
Recently confirmed as staying on board are Reece Davies, Jacob Stretch, Leo Tanswell, Ryan Jackson, Ewan McGeady, Cal Chapman and Ollie McDonough.
Blues were 3-0 victors against Alsager Town on Saturday, with goals from Hooks, Matty Birchall and Ollie Pope, and then on Monday night they came out on top 3-2 at Nantwich Town when Pope was again on the mark, twice, along with Steve Jenyons.
On Saturday they entertain Litherland REMYCA and then on Tuesday they go to Bollington Town.
Meanwhile, Barnton were 3-2 victors over Atherton LR at the weekend thanks to a hat-trick from Jack McKean.
