Pilgrim's progress for Wrens star

Rainworth’s popular and highly-rated wing-back Kieran Walker is set to test himself at Conference North level, writes Gordon Foster.

Walker joined Boston United this week with Wrens manager Kevin Gee's blessing. Despite the opportunity to turn our for Graham Drury's Pilgrims, Rainworth will retain his registration allowing him to continue turning out for Gee when not required for Conference North action.

Gee confirmed: "I spoke to Kieran at some length over the opportunity that the move to Boston provides him with, and we both felt that he deserves a shot at playing Conference football after being one of our most consistent performers this season. It represents a big step up for him, but he is at an age at which it is worth his while to see whether he can play at that level.

"Graham Drury approached me and I agreed that Boston could speak to him, so everything was done properly and on behalf of everyone at Rainworth I wish him all the4 success he deserves. Kieran will be dual-registered so remains on our books, and he knows that the door is always open to him to return if it happens that things don't work out for him.

"Although I'm disappointed to lose a player who has played almost every game for me this season, it shows that we must be doing something right, because Boston had probably never heard of us before this season. But it does put extra pressure on our squad which is already threadbare so we will look to bring in new faces before Saturday's trip to Newcastle Town.

Looking forward to the weekend's game, Gee added: "We need to bounce back quickly from the Doodson Sports Cup defeat at Eastwood. To say I was disappointed to lose that match is an understatement, and that's no disrespect to Eastwood who were worthy winners. But a few home truths were told behind closed doors after the match, because that was well below the level of performance I expect from my players.

"I'm sure there will be a positive response, but there will also be casualties, because one or two need to start putting in a full shift. Playing conditions sometimes dictate that you need to roll up your sleeves and grind out results, and that just didn't happen on Tuesday, which I won't accept.

"We now need to regroup and focus on working harder than the opposition, especially when we don't have possession. But, hopefully, with a few new faces to freshen things up, we can get back to the basics which have kept us in the top 10 for most of the season and get a postive result from what will be a tough trip to Newcastle."