Chapman fits the bill

On loan keeper Ben Chapman made his debut for Leek Town in the home defeat against Market Drayton Town last week but he’s looking forward to his 4-week spell at Harrison Park.

Chapman was brought in from Nantwich Town to cover the absence of regular keeper Danny Roberts who suffered a fractured eye socket in the game at Sheffield FC just over a week ago.

Roberts’ injury does not require surgery as the break is clean but he will be out of action for around 6-weeks giving Chapman some much needed first team action.

So far this season, Chapman’s appearances at the Weaver Stadium have been limited to minor cup soccer after the experienced Johnny Brain was snapped up from Bradford City during last summer.

On Saturday Chapman played a vital role in the Blues’ win at Coalville turning in a good performance and saving one of two penalties fired at him.

Caswell misses out on winger
Leek Town manager Lee Caswell failed in his bid to bring in young winger Robert Stevenson to Harrison Park after serving Stafford Rangers with the required seven days notice of approach.

The fleet-footed 18-year old, who began his career in the academy at Stoke City, gave Caswell some hope when the pair spoke after the notice expired but in the end the former Market Drayton man opted to remain at Marston Road.

However, Caswell has signed striker Dan Cope after he underwent successful knee surgery a couple of weeks a go.

Leek’s leading scorer for the last two season’s, Cope is itching to get back into action after missing the entire season to date through the injury he picked up on the last day of last season.

Meanwhile, one of the hero’s of the win over Coalville on Saturday was Ben Nixon who was barely recognisable when he turned up for the game.

The former Port Vale youngster had accepted a bet to have his hair and eyebrows shaved off but the punter hadn’t counted on the player’s never say never attitude.

Nixon promptly took on the bet, pocketed the cash and then went on to net his first goals for the club since joining during last summer.

Coming up
Leek Town make the short journey into the Potteries on Tuesday 7.45pm, to take on near rivals Newcastle Town in the big local derby match.

Castle boast a host of former Leek Town players and management staff on their books and will be looking to avenge the narrow 1-0 defeat they sufferered at Harrison Park back in mid-September.

Meanwhile, Rainworth Miners Welfare are the visitors to Harrison Park next Saturday when Leek will be looking to take their first points off the visitors who have won all three previous encounters.