New trio ease injury fears

Kevin Lynch is banking on his trio of new signings helping the Mariners overcome a lengthening injury list after confirming on Monday that defender Paul Jones had left the Arriva Stadium.

Bohan Dixon, Matty Harris and Michael Givan all made their debuts in Saturday's 3-0 home defeat to FC United of Manchester after signing for Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Marine ahead of the weekend's action.

Central defender Dixon joined on a month's loan from Accringon Stanley. The 23-year-old previously enjoyed short spells at Hednesford Town and Burscough and was spotted last year playing amateur football by former Stanley manager Paul Cook. At 6ft 4 tall, Lynch says he can play in both a defensive or midfield role.

Striker Harris, previously on the books of Everton, also joins on month's loan, the 19-year-old arriving at the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division oufit from Conference North Hyde.

Saturday's third debutant was defender Michael Girvan. The 20-year-old former Wigan Athletic player signed a permanent deal for Lynch after switching from Tamworth after previously turning out for Loughborough Dynamo.

Lynch said: "We have picked up a number of injuries at this crucial stage of the season and to enable me to try and sustain where we are and bolster the squad, I have been forced to go into the loan market to sign Bohan and Matty in addition to the signing of Michael.

"It was always going to be difficult for the new players to come into the game on Saturday, but I feel that the three players will do very well for us."

Marine Chairman Paul Leary added: "Kevin obviously has to maintain a squad that enables us to remain competitive and challenge for a play off place. If we had not signed these players then we would have struggled in squad terms following injuries to some key players.

"It is vital that Kevin maintains a level of playing resources that gives him enough options and keeps competition for places especially at this important time."