Lowson returns to NMG

Ilkeston FC boss Kevin Wilson today pulled off a major coup by taking Dan Lowson back to the New Manor Ground on a short-term loan.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper has suddenly found himself out of favour at Alfreton Town after figuring in the Conference club’s first 16 games of the season - and Wilson saw that as the signal to swoop.

He said: “Dan is well known to Ilkeston fans from the time he spent here before the former club went into liquidation. He was a very popular player at that time and I know all about his capabilities.

“We still regard Ben Gathercole as our first-choice ‘keeper but we don’t expect him to be fit enough to return after his thigh injury until early in the New Year so I’m very grateful to Nicky Law for letting us have Dan on a month’s loan to give us cover.”

Lowson, who was born in North Shields, returned to his native North East to link up with Blyth Spartans after finding himself as a free agent in September last year.

But the former England schoolboys trialist, who also played for Gretna and Newcastle Blue Star, returned to Derbyshire during the summer to sign for newly-promoted Alfreton.

Alex Archer has returned to Peterborough after completing his spell on work experience and Wilson has confirmed that Lowson will make his debut for the Robins on Boxing Day when they travel to Hucknall Town.