The transfer of hotshot Lee Gregory was processed yesterday evening as David Holdsworth continues to strengthen his Mansfield Town squad. The 21 year old has signed a one year deal with the Stags from Northern Counties East League One outfit Staveley Miners Welfare. He bagged 37 goals for the Miners last season and has already scored six goals in seven games for the team this term.
As a youngster he spent time at Sheffield United's academy. Gregory has given up his day job as an electrician to join the club as a full-time professional footballer.
He told the Stags’ official website www.mansfieldtown.net that he is ready to make the step up, saying: "This is a dream come true. I knew Mansfield had been watching me last season and now they have come in for me. I am very pleased to be moving here."
"I am confident that I can score goals for the club," he added.
Manager David Holdsworth is hopeful he can find a loan club for Gregory to give the youngster much needed match fitness and therefore isn’t in contention for today’s squad.
Northampton Town's youth team travelled to Peterborough United on Saturday in the Football League Youth Alliance Cup.
The Cobblers were beaten 2-0, with coach Sean Parrish left to reflect on a game of two halves.
"We dominated the first half and I was disappointed we were not ahead, but we failed to make our domination count," said Parrish.
"Michael Jacobs came the closest to scoring, but after half time Peterborough rallied and we didn't really get going in the second half. We conceded from a set play and then again late in the game."
"The lesson we have to learn is to make our pressure count when we are on top."
Eastbourne Borough Reserves are expected to be boosted by seven or eight first team squad members for their attractive Totesport Combination debut fixture against Millwall Reserves at Priory Lane on Tuesday night (September 15) kick off 19.30.
Likely to be included in the 16 for the match are goal-keeper Danny Knowles; defenders Darren Baker and Matt Hurley; midfielders Dan Smith and Simon Johnson; forwards Liam Enver-Marum and Ross Treleaven. Striker Jamie Taylor is also pencilled in for a run out provided he has recovered from the virus that kept him out of Saturday"s Blue Square Premier encounter against Chester City. The Borough 16 will also include emerging talent from across the South East and it is possible a one or two trialists will pull on the Borough shirt.
Eastbourne Borough have stepped up to the Combination this season and during the campaign reserve sides of Football League clubs Brighton, Crystal Palace, QPR, Brentford, Leyton Orient, Aldershot and Gillingham - together with Crawley - will be visiting Priory Lane.
Millwall Reserves kicked off their 2009/10 Combination fixtures last Tuesday with a 1-0 home - they play at Dartford - defeat to Aldershot. Millwall included five players with first team squad numbers: goal-keeper John Sullivan who
moved to Milwall from Brighton in the summer after making 15 appearances for the Seagulls; 17 year-olds Danny Fitzsimons (defender), 6 ft 3 ins. defender Omar Beckles and highly rated young striker Kiernon Hughes-Mason who has already made one first team substitute appearance. Also in the team against Aldershot was experienced full back Marcus Bignot who moved to Millwall in 2008 after 193 appearances, over two spells, with QPR.
Last season Millwall reserves striker Lyle Taylor joined Borough on loan and became a hero when he scored a last minute winner in the televised 2-1 victory over Stevenage Borough.
Eastbourne Borough season ticket holders are entitled to FREE admission for home Reserve fixtures and for others it is pay at the turnstiles on the night: adult £5; concession £3; under 16 £2. There is NO extra charge for
transferring to the seated main stand.
Competing in the Combination is another landmark in the Borough story and a chance for football followers in Eastbourne and East Sussex to watch The Sports in action against talent from Football League clubs. Another challenge Borough are relishing and all part of maintaining match fitness for the first team squad and developing emerging players.
English Football Daily for Saturday, September 12
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