BLUES FRIENDLY DEFEATS CONTINUE

Leek Town lost their third consecutive pre-season friendly when they were edged out by the odd goal in three at Congleton on Saturday but there were signs of improvement in the second half when Dan Cope, Wayne Corden, Dean Crowe and Mitch Shenton were introduced into the action.

Manager Wayne Johnson had to select his side from a squad missing trialists Bobby Gee (ankle), and Paul Wadsworth (dislocated shoulder) as well as the unavailable Dave Brindle, Kevin Millward, Paul Taylor, Ashley Miller, Rob Hawthorne and Dave Watson.

Meanwhile, Andy Taylor returned to the action after missing Saturday’s game against Port Vale - the Blues’ skipper had four stitches inserted in a head wound sustained in the recent home friendly against Macclesfield Town.

Former Leek striker Matt Haddrell put the Bears in the driving seat with goals in the 13th and 36th minutes but Blues dominated much of the second half and Corden netted Leek’s goal on the stroke of full time.

After the game Johnson commented, “I was disappointed with the result and the commitment shown by some of the players.

“I have warned them all that they are playing for a shirt at the start of the season and all will be given a chance but they have to show more commitment or they will be shown the door over the next two weeks.

“The squad is not strong enough, and when we are missing key players, as we were on Saturday, we don’t seem to have enough back-up.

“However, I have taken some valuable guidance on board and I will be bringing new blood into the club before the big kick-off in three weeks time”, he added.

SHENTON INTERESTS BLUES

Leek Town manager Wayne Johnson is looking to sign former Kidsgrove defender Mitch Shenton who has been training during the summer at Witton Albion.

Shenton is no stranger to Leek Town as he was a member of the all conquering youth team a few years ago. He has also been on the books at Alsager Town but spent the last two seasons at The Seddon Stadium.

The 21 year-old full back made a second half appearance at Congleton on Saturday and is expected to play at Biddulph Victoria on Thursday.

Johnson is also running the rule over former Port Vale scholar Dave Watson who was released by Vale at the end of last season. Watson played half a game against his former colleagues in the recent pre-season friendly at Harrison Park.

Meanwhile, midfielder Ryan O’Connor failed to turn up for the game against the Vale after attending training and agreeing to play just two days earlier. The former Stoke City player went to play at Kidsgrove instead.

BLUES VISIT BIDDULPH

Leek make the short journey over the hill to Biddulph Victoria on Thursday, 7.30pm, when manager Wayne Johnson will give his squad another chance to impress. Paul Taylor, Rob Hawthorne and Ashley Miller are all expected to play after returning from holiday.

Blues are expected to be without injury victims Paul Wadsworth and Bobby Gee whilst Dean Crowe will undergo a fitness test after limping out of the game at Congleton on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Blues’ boss has managed to squeeze in a home friendly this coming Saturday against Stockport Georgians 3.00pm when admissions charges will be £2 for adults and £1 concessions.

CRECHE GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Leek Town’s hugely successful ‘Football Crèche’ continues to go from strength to strength after it was formed towards the end of last season.

The crèche, which is open to all 7 and 8-year olds and now boasts over forty members, will meet for a training session at Harrison Park on Thursday when all the players will be registered for the coming season.

All crèche members will now train throughout the summer at Harrison Park.

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES

Leek Town has added two additional games to their pre-season programme and been forced to change the venue of a third.

Blues will now entertain Manchester League outfit Stockport Georgians at Harrison Park next Saturday 31 July whilst on 10 August they make the short trip to Ball Haye Green. Admission charges for this game will be; adults £2, concessions £1.

Meanwhile, Blues have been forced to transfer their game against Buxton on 14 August to the Silverlands because ground-sharers Leek CSOB have a home fixture in the FA Cup on the same day.

The revised programme is as follows:
Thur 29 July Biddulph Victoria (a) 7.30pm
Sat 31 July Stockport Georgians (h) 3.00pm
Tues 3 Aug Eastwood Town (h) 7.30 pm
Tues 10 Aug Ball Haye Green (a) 7.30pm
Sat 14 August Buxton (a) 3.00pm