Wire swoop for Wharton

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Warrington Town swooped to sign Radcliffe Borough's young striker Ben Wharton on Thursday.

Wharton, aged 22, switched between the First Division North outfits to strengthen the Wire's attacking options for the coming season.

The forward, pictured, found the back of the net 18 times last season at Radcliffe and Warrington's officials are confident he'll be a 20 goal plus striker next season.

Warrington's Director of Football Toby Macormac said: "Our manager Shaun Reid and myself watched Ben a few times last season and we had no doubt that he would be a fantastic addition to the team.

"We can see him scoring 20 plus goals next season which alongside our other strikers should put us right where we need to be. Radcliffe Borough have been thoroughly professional throughout discussions and I thank them for that."

Wharton started out at Stockport County's youth academy and came through the ranks. After he was released at the age of 16 he signed on YTS terms for Rochdale, coming off the bench against Accrington Stanley to make his debut. Wharton was released at the end of the 2007-08 season before signing for Northwich Victoria in October 2008, Buxton in November 2008 and then Radcliffe in March 2009.