Dolly Blues snap up Samba striker

Evo-Stik NPL First Division North Lancaster City have signed highly-rated Brazilian striker Rodrigo Branco on loan from League Two new boys Fleetwood Town.

Striker Bradley Hubbold and winger Matty Dodwell moved alongside the Samba striker to Giant Axe in time for Saturday's action.

Branco signed for local neighbours Fleetwood on a professional contract this summer but has been looking to play the regular first-team football that City manager Mick Hoyle could offer.

With the Dolly Blues short of strikers, caretaker boss Hoyle snapped up the chance to secure the services of the former Blackburn Rovers triallist. He's signed on a three-month loan and had been set to play in their 2-1 FA Trophy Preliminary Round home defeat to Wakefield on Saturday.

To boost their firepower further after the departure of Joe Bunney striker, Hoyle also brought in Hubbold from the North West Counties League's Holker Old Boys.

Hubbold, who’s impressed for the Cumbrians this season, joins Lancaster alongside former Lancaster and Morecambe College winger Dodwell.

The local player steps up from North Lancashire side Cartmel FC as Hoyle strengthens his midfield in the wake of departed duo Simon Wills and Zach Clark.