Duo add strength in depth

Ashton United signed Ashley Young and Kyle Riley on Friday to strengthen competition for places at Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Robins, writes Jez Sale.

Despite being one of only two sides who are still unbeaten in the Premier Division, draws in their last two outings have prompted joint managers Steve Halford and Paul Phillips to shake things up by bringing the pair to Hurst Cross in a bid to return to winning ways.

Young is well known to Halford having played for him at Mossley last season before switching to Nantwich Town under former-Ashton manager Danny Johnson in the summer. He played a big part in helping 10-man Nantwich to a creditable draw against Ashton just last week.

Riley, pictured, is a muscular young striker who was at Ashton last season but had been allowed to join Prescot Cables st the start of the current campaign when his chances looked limited. The subsequent release of fellow striker Ben Deegan freed up a space in Ashton's forward line, allowing the management team to bring back the former Oldham trainee to help keep their other strikers on their toes.

Both were available for selection against near-neighbours Trafford on Saturday. If selected, they could be joined by left winger Simon Hackney who who signed from Stockport County in time to make his debut in Wednesday’s goal-less draw with Matlock Town. The former-Carlisle United favourite secured the Man of the Match award and was unfortunate to see a ‘goal’ disallowed for offside during a promising first outing.

* For all this week's player movements see Saturday's Transfer List on the home page.