Casswell forced into market

Leek Town manager Lee Casswell swooped to sign prolific scorer Jordan Johnson from Welsh side Airbus UK ahead of their 2-1 win over Sheffield on the opening Saturday of the new Evo-Stik Northern Premier League campaign, writes Michael Cope.

The First Division South boss, pictured, was forced into the transfer market after leading scorer Tim Grice suffered ankle ligament damage while on trial at Crewe Alexandra. Grice could be out for two months prompting Casswell to move for Johnson.

The 26-year-old began his career at Manchester City before joining the Leek's youth set-up and making his first team debut in 2004. In total, he made 26 appearances for the Blues before switching to Congleton Town in 2007 and Newcastle Town in 2010 where he scored 22 goals in the 2010-11 season.

Johnson moved on again to Telford United in December 2011 but his stay was blighted by injury and he was loaned out to Chasetown and Northwich Victoria by the Bucks. Johnson, who followed then Vics manager Andy Preece to Airbus UK in 2012, received his international clearance on Friday in time to be included in Casswell's squad at the weekend.

The Blues confirmed on Monday that leading scorer Grice is making a good recovery from the ankle injury he sustained while training with Crewe Alex but is still 6-weeks away from being fully fit. He is currently undergoing treatment at Crewe’s Reaseheath training complex and is already putting weight on the injured limb.

Meanwhile, striker Jamie Pointon is still out of action after failing to recover from the rib injury he picked up in the pre-season game at home to Stafford Rangers just over two weeks ago. Despite the news Casswell is delighted with his side's winning start at Harrison Park over a side they hadn't beaten in five previous meetings.

Casswell said: "It was great to get off to a winning start but their goal knocked us back a bit. And it could have been worse when Chapman’s clearance landed at Vill Powell’s feet – most strikers in this league would have buried that chance.

"Our shape was a little different to normal with Grice out of contention but the two new lads out wide did well for us. John J is only 18 but he gave us width out right whilst Jordan J hasn’t played much football this summer but did a good job for us on his return to the club."

Looking ahead to Tuesday's clash away to Mickleover Sports, the Blues manager added: "On Saturday we had Tuesday’s opponents watched at Gresley and they are a much better outfit this season so we will have to be on our game if we are to continue our good start to the season."