Dream coming true for teen star

Leek Town defender Joe Evans is hoping to follow in the footsteps of former Kidsgrove Athletic star Jack Sherratt by becoming the second Evo-Stik Northern Premier League player in successive seasons to win Samsung's Pro Contract competition.

Midfielder Sherratt, 20, beat more than 5,000 hopefuls in April to win the nationwide talent hunt and a one year deal with League One Leyton Orient. More than 15,000 young players have entered the competition in the last three years and now Evans, pictured, has reached the last 22 stage in his quest for a professional contract with one of three Football League clubs in July 2014 - Leyton Orient, Swindon Town or Wycombe Wanderers.

The 19-year-old, who has been pursuing his dream to land a contract after being released by Port Vale last summer, joined the First Division South’s Blues in July after being part of the youth and reserve teams at Vale Park. With Lee Casswell’s leaders normally at the attacking end of the pitch this season, the Blues are particularly proud of their teenage full-back's achievement with the limited opportunities he's had to demonstrate his defensive potential at Harrison Park.

A Blues spokesman said: "He has worked hard at the Samsung challenge and there is no doubt that he could go all the way to fulfilling his ambition."