by Chris Harper

NEW Kidsgrove striker Dave Walker has one goal in mind – to help fire the club into the play-offs.

Walker did so with Nantwich last season, only to suffer the heartbreak of extra-time defeat in the UniBond Premier Division play-off final at Ilkeston, and has been quietly impressed in his new surroundings at the Seddon Stadium.

With fellow newcomer Matt Haddrell and Liam Shotton in competition up front, Grove should not be short of goals, and Walker said: "There are some decent young lads here, too."

Walker, who lives at Hartshill, was second top scorer with 29 goals for Nantwich last season and did his early pre-season training with The Dabbers.

He said: "I was there for three weeks until I felt what was happening was not acceptable.

"The fans may wonder why I left, but I prefer to keep my reasons close to my chest.

"It was not for footballing or necessarily financial reasons, but there were other issues.

"I had a good season with Nantwich and would say nothing bad about the club, but I needed a fresh challenge."

Kidsgrove were soon on to the well-travelled 25-year-old. He had a couple of other offers, but said: "The travelling in the Southern League is ridiculous.

"Kidsgrove had an awful first half to last season, but had a good finish and have made their intentions clear with the signings they have made.

"I watched them beat Stafford Rangers 5-1 a couple of weeks ago and feel I can play a part with a bit of experience. I will be concentrating my efforts on the play-offs."

Walker started his career with Stone Dominoes and took in spells with Alsager Town, Norton United, Stafford Rangers and Redditch before heading down under to playing for a couple of years in New Zealand.

On his return he joined Nantwich and last season formed the UniBond Premier League's most deadly partnership with Michael Lennon.

Walker picked up an ankle injury in Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Ball Haye Green and will probably miss tomorrow's friendly away to Airbus at Broughton, near Chester where the squad will have a bonding session.

ECCLESHALL are staging a charity match in memory of former captain Danny Stevens at Pershall Park on Sunday (noon).

Former Eccleshall managers Bob and Mark Askey will select a team of past players to take on Stevens's Sunday side, Woodseaves.

Mark Askey said: "Danny had all the qualities anyone could ask for in a captain. He was 100 per cent reliable and gave his all in every game."

"He was as brave as a lion on the field and a lovely-natured lad off it."

Stevens's family have set up a fund in an effort to provide the club with an artificial training pitch at Pershall Park in his honour. Proceeds from Sunday's game will go to the fund. Stevens was killed in a motorcycle accident just over a year ago. He was 25.