Lancaster City boss hunting for recruits up top

Phil Brown is still looking to strengthen his Lancaster City side at the sharp end of the field.
Charlie Russell challenges Ben Hedley in Lancaster City's win over Morecambe. Picture: Tony NorthCharlie Russell challenges Ben Hedley in Lancaster City's win over Morecambe. Picture: Tony North
Charlie Russell challenges Ben Hedley in Lancaster City's win over Morecambe. Picture: Tony North

The Blues boss is delighted with how his new signings are settling in but is still on the hunt for more fresh faces at Giant Axe as the build up to the new Evo-Stik First Division North season continues.

Brown said: “I’m still waiting for a few to come back to us.

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“I’ve spoken to a few players and I’m expecting a couple more responses by the end of the week.

“We’re looking for a wide player and another forward.”

The City manager has had a busy few weeks on the recruitment side and has seen new boys Louis Mayers, Charlie Russell, Oliver Crolla and Charlie Waters amongst the scorers in recent friendlies.

City drew 3-3 at former manager Tony Hesketh’s Fulwood Amateurs on Saturday before romping to a 7-2 win against a young Morecambe side, made up of academy players, at Giant Axe on Tuesday night.

Brown said: “The lads who have come in have settled really well.

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“Oliver Crolla scored in the first minute against Morecambe and had a good game.

“Joshua Westwood has been away but came on and did well.

“Charlie Waters is an emerging player too and Louis Mayers and Charlie Russell have shown what they can do.

“There’s plenty of good signs in terms of form and how they’ve blended in with the lads as well.”

Brown has been pleased with the different tests his side have had in their first three friendlies, two against young Stockport and Morecambe sides and one against a more physical Fulwood.

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Next up for the Dolly Blues this Saturday is a trip to another West Lancashire Premier Division side in Euxton Villa.

Brown said: “We wanted games that will test us in different ways.

“We’ve had a couple of games against younger opponents that where it’s been pretty intense and a quick pace.

“Fulwood was sandwiched in between and was a bit of a different test.

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“It wasn’t as intense but it was a more physical affair and I expect Euxton Villa to be same on Saturday.

“We’re cranking things up in terms of difficulty.

“That’s no disrespect to who we’ve played, just in terms of league levels.”

The game with Morecambe was the first between the sides for seven years after a once annual tradition lapsed.

Brown said: “I’d like to thank Stewart (Drummond) and Neil (Wainwright) for sending a team over, and Jim (Bentley).

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“I spoke to Stewart afterwards and he said it was a good game for his lads, playing against blokes.

“It’s got the ball rolling again after a few years without the game and who knows, maybe we can have a first team here down the line.

“Morecambe played their opening game at Bamber Bridge this year so maybe that could be us at some point?”