Forward starlet joins Radcliffe

The 19-year-old arrives at the Boro having kicked off the season impressively, scoring 12 goals and claiming five Man of the Match awards in the NWCFL.

His performances also saw him crowned August’s NWCFL Division 1 North Player of the Month.

Rawsthorn will temporarily return to Atherton LR to continue his progression in the North West Counties, before joining the Radcliffe first team and furthering his development under the guidance of Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley.

On his signing, Johnson said: “We’re really excited about the potential of Lewis.

"We’ve had him watched over the last few weeks and as well as his phenomenal goal record, you can’t help but also notice his outstanding work rate.

"Lewis had firm interest from half a dozen clubs but we managed to beat off the competition and sign him, which shows the stature of the club at the moment.

"He has similar attributes to Jordan Hulme 10 years ago when he was around the same age, and is someone we think can grow with us over the next couple of years, whilst staying with Atherton LR for the foreseeable future to carry on with his development.”

Photo credit: Atherton LR