Player manager targets more fresh faces

Ashton United manager Paul Phillips is looking to bring in a few fresh faces before Saturday’s trip to Nantwich Town in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League’s top flight after losing Cavell Coo to Salford City earlier in the week, writes James Burch.

The Robins climbed to seventh spot in the Evo-Stik NPL’s Premier Division table after Tuesday night’s win against Workington AFC extended their run of one defeat in their last eight outings and player-manager Phillips, pictured, wants to bolster his squad with four games coming up in the next ten days.

The former Manchester United, Bury, Buxton, Curzon Ashton, Droylsden, Stalybridge Celtic and Droylsden keeper said: "After Cavel Coo left to Salford City in the week there should be a bit of movement in the next few days and hopefully I’ll have a few new faces in the squad before the game."

The Robins manager, who has already boosted his Hurst Cross squad in the last fortnight with recent acquisitions Lee Rick and Ronnie Wallwork on free transfers - also singled out summer signing Richard Bennett for special praise on Thursday.

According to Phillips, the form and confidence the powerful 23-year-old forward has shown in their last four outings – three goals, a man-of-the-match award and an assist - has been key to their run of results.

He added: "He needs to be nastier in his play, he has it in him to play well in this league and leagues higher up but his second goal shows he’s improving. He got knocked down in the build-up to the goal but got up and carried on and it turned out to be a great finish."

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