Non-league football: Rutter a Norton player, says boss Johnson

by Chris Harper

NEW Norton United manager Dave Johnson is confident striker Paul Rutter will be in his line-up.

Rutter scored for Leek Town in their 5-1 win against Accrington Youth last week, but Johnson insists it was a one off.

He said: "Paul phoned me to ask whether he could play because he needed match practice.

"We reached a gentleman's agreement that he would be staying at Norton and he played for us in midweek when we beat Barlaston 3-0."

Norton new boy Simon Everall scored twice, but Johnson is now turning his attention to strengthening his defence.

With Dave Harper still struggling to recover from a broken leg, Johnson has two players in mind and expects to sign a centre-back next week.

CONGLETON Town replaced this week's scheduled friendly with Leek Town with a game against Hanley Town at Longton Rugby Club and won 3-1.

Andy Hurst scored twice and Scott Dundas was again on the scoresheet with his third goal in as many games.

Congleton have a home game against Welsh League side Connah's Quay tomorrow and entertain a Port Vale team next Thursday.

LEEK CSOB have plugged the gap left by goalkeeper Gavin Deaville's move to Kidsgrove by signing the experienced Rob Hackney.

Manager Brett Barlow said: "We were a bit worried to lose Gavin at first. He was an ever present last season and picked up two player-of-the-year awards.

"But I have no problem with players who want to better themselves, and in Rob Hackney we have a more than capable replacement. He could be the best keeper in our league.

"Rob quit Congleton last season to become a firefighter, but he has completed his training and expects to be regularly available."

Old Boys have snapped up defender Dean Owen and striker Adam Coulston from Meir KA, while Alan Dodd has returned.

ALSAGER Town face a stern test against Nantwich Town in tomorrow's friendly at Wood Park.

The Bullets have so far lost by the only goal at home to Radcliffe Borough and beaten a youthful Altrincham side 4-0 on a 3G pitch.

Nantwich remain unbeaten after playing Fleetwood, Stoke City, Crewe and Market Drayton, and acting boss Peter Hall said: "We have set standards and they need to be kept."

Michael Lennon returns at Alsager where Hall plans to take another look at former Port Vale winger Shane Tudor.

STONE Dominoes were encouraged by a 3-0 win against UniBond Division One side Prescot Cables at Yarnfield with goals by Dan Brown (two) and Andy Matthews.

The same players had sunk Barlaston in the previous game and manager Shaun Hollinshead is delighted to have Matthews back in the camp.

Matthews went to Kidsgrove last season and also had a spell at Rocester, but Hollinshead believes he could make an impact at Vodkat Division One level.

Dominoes take on another UniBond Division One side in Cammell Laird at home tomorrow.

TOMORROW'S FRIENDLIES

Stafford Rangers v Port Vale, Alsager Town v Nantwich Town, Airbus UK v Kidsgrove, Congleton Town v Connah's Quay, Prestatyn v Newcastle Town, Eccleshall v Port Vale Youth, Norton United v Holdbrook (Notts), Stone Dominoes v Cammell Laird, Rocester v Leek CSOB, Meir KA v Wolstanton United.