Skipper answers community call

As part of a new focus on building relations with their community being led by the First Division South club's operations manager Janet Cooper, the Grove spent the month before Christmas raising funds for hampers to hand out to their local senior citizens.

Including essentials like sugar, soup and tea, skipper Anthony Malbon is pictured making a pitchside presentation of one of the hampers to supporters who helped to distribute them in the run-up to the holidays.

Peter Ward's side are just two points off a play-off spot after three successive wins, a 5-0 victory at Romulus before Christmas, a 3-0 success at Market Drayton Town on Boxing Day and 2-1 home win over Newcastle Town in their Christmas Monday derby.

Ward boosted his squad on Tuesday by confirming the signing of midfielder Chris Smith. The 25-year-old, who played in both their festive fixtures, was at the club as a youngster.

A winner of Samsung's 'Be a Pro' competition, he spent a season under Paulo Di Canio at Swindon Town before moving on to Stafford Rangers last season and most recently, Nantwich Town and Alsager Town.

Ward told the club's website: "Chris is a good addition to our squad. I've always said it's not just about the starting eleven and that has been proven in Chris' first two appearances for the club. He's got great experience and is a good footballer, so he will fit into the way we play."

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