Keeper answered emergency call

Former Leek Town keeper Steve Hodgson came back as emergency cover for injured duo Danny Roberts and Daniel Lloyd-Weston who both missed Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Rainworth Miners Welfare, writes Michael Cope.

Hodgson, 31, was drafted in for his third spell at Harrison Park, playing his 144 game for the Blues while Roberts recovered from a broken finger and Lloyd-Weston gets over dental surgery.

But Hodgson was unavailable for Monday’s trip to New Mills forcing Roberts to return to match action earlier than planned in the Doodson Sport Cup Preliminary Round tie.

The talented keeper began his career at Manchester City and moved on to Macclesfield Town before joining Nuneaton Borough in Feb 2002. He is also a former England youth International.

Hodgson originally moved to Harrison Park in February 2003, immediately impressing with some outstanding displays and was voted Players and Supporters Player of the Year in 2004.

He moved to Stocksbridge Park Steels in December 2004 after spending an extended loan period there but returned to Leek in March 2008. After a period out of the game, he remained at Harrison Park until November 2010 when he joined Kidsgrove Athletic.

Along with Roberts Blues manager Lee Casswell was set to recall defender Matt Bell and striker Dan Cope to the squad. Bell returns after sitting out a three match ban while Cope has been getting match fit in the reserves after recovering from a knee injury.

Tom Urwin, back, and Ricky Bridge, groin, were also set to be included in after recovering from injury.