Guardian Sport

Winsford United sign former Stockport County goalkeeper Jason Astbury

By Andrew Simpson

4:58pm Friday 15th January 2010

WINSFORD United have turned to a teenager in their latest bid to find a reliable shot-stopper to keep goal.

Tony Ledwards signed former Stockport County junior Jason Astbury this week, and he will become Blues’ eighth custodian of the campaign if he makes his debut this weekend.

“To be honest it’s been a nightmare,” the manager said of his team’s troubles between the posts.

“There’s various reasons why that’s been the case – mainly because the guys we’ve had before have not been good enough – but it can’t carry on.

“I know Jason and I think he will be the best candidate we’ve had for that position.”

Astbury, 18, made five starts for League of Wales outfit Bala Town last term after leaving League One County in the summer.

He has had spells at Winsford’s league rivals New Mills and UniBond League Woodley Sports this season.

Ledwards added: “Other teams wanted to sign him and he is rated highly, so we’re really happy to have him here with us.”

The entire North West Counties League programme – including Blues’ trip to Ramsbottom Untied was wiped out by the weather for a fourth successive Saturday this week, but Ledwards has not taken it easy.

He has signed versatile defender Carl Everall, brother of Winsford forward Simon, from Norton United.

It’s a player he has tracked for a while.

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