7-up for Caswell as Leek continue run

Leek Town manager Lee Casswell beat the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League transfer deadline last Thursday with no fewer than seven signings.

Casswell moved to bolster his promotion chasing squad for the final month of the season to ensure he has cover for all positions in the squad.

Joining on loan from Crewe Alexandra is 19-year old defender Jon Guthrie who joined the League Two side in February from Wessex League outfit Pewsey Vale after an extended trial at Gresty Road where he caught the eye of Neil Baker.

Former Blues’ defender Matt Bradbury has re-joined the club. Bradbury enjoyed a spell at Harrison Park at the start of last season making seven appearances and has since played for Stone Dominoes, Newcastle Town and Market Drayton Town.

Goalkeeping cover is provided by experienced local custodian Rob Hackney who has been turning out for ground sharers Leek CSOB. Hackney had a brief spell with the Blues in 2005/06 playing in the first three games of the season.

Striker Jamie Pointon has also signed for Leek. Pointon has been playing for local side Ball Haye Green and had a spell with Kidsgrove Athletic last season.

Casswell completed his plans for the run-in with the addition of three members of Blues’ Under 17’s side who have been put on Evo-Stik forms - they include Joe Bailey, Josh Ford and Oliver Hopwood who all train on a regular basis with first team.

Haddrell honoured by Evo-Stik
Blues striker Matt Haddrell was honoured at the inaugural Evo-Stik NPL Player of the Year Awards held in Barnsley Last week.

Haddrell, who has found the net on 25 occasions this season, was selected in the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South team of the year.

The team was selected by the managers of clubs across the division and everyone at Harrison Park congratulates Matt on his very worthy inclusion.

Blues’ boss Lee Casswell commented: "It was thoroughly deserved. Matt had a poor game against Stamford recently, but I only need three fingers to count the number of below-par performances he has put in for us, such is his level of consistency.

"Every team needs a Matt Haddrell and I think every manager in the league would take him."

Haddrell received his trophy from World Cup final referee Howard Webb, but missed out on the Division One South player-of-the-year award.

The burly striker was one of four nominations, but the vote went to Gary Ricketts of Ilkeston.

Cope clocks up a ton
Leek Town striker Dan Cope made his 100th appearance for the club on Saturday when he came off the bench in the win over Loughborough.

Cope scored 16 goals in each of the last two seasons to top the scoring charts since joining from local side Golden Wanderers in the summer of 2009.

He went on to win the supporter’s player of the year award in his first season but at the end of last season he picked up a knee injury and was forced to undergo surgery.

The diminutive striker broke back into the squad in February, mainly on the bench but he has netted in each of the two games he has started this year.

Nixon in pile-up
Leek Town defender Ben Nixon was forced to withdraw from the home victory over Loughborough on Saturday after being involved in a road accident.

Nixon was on his way to pick up striker Matt Haddrell when he was side-swiped by another car and suffered a whip-lash injury.

Fortunately the injury is not too severe but his car was written off.

Goole travel
Leek Town make the long trip to Goole on Saturday looking to extend their current run of five victories on the spin to keep their promotion push on track.

Spectators wishing to travel on the team coach should ring 01538 386356 for further details. The coach leaves the ground at 10.30am and will pick up 30 minutes later at Catchems Corner.

Leek Town monthly draw
The Leek Town Monthly Draw for March was made at Harrison Park on Tuesday 27 March and the results are as follows:
1st prize £300 Number 298 Mark Johnson

2nd prize £150 Number 18 Mrs A Day

3rd prize £50 Number 282 Mark Birchall, Number 272 Andy Broadhurst

4th prize £25 Number 5 Dave Clarke, Number 312 Mick Collins, Number 185 Rob Jones, Number 30 Andy Reeves

The draw was conducted by Mike Cope and checked and verified by Tracy Reynolds - there were 260 entries.