Peter Ward stresses Shotton will stay put

Peter Ward has stressed that striker Liam Shotton will stay at Kidsgrove Athletic despite interest from rivals Newcastle Town.

Liam Shotton

Shotton has bagged nine goals for Grove this season and Ward revealed that Newcastle had been in touch with the 23-year-old front man.

Ward said: “We have got Newcastle Town after Liam, but he is not going anywhere.

“We spoke to Liam and he is happy here, and he has a part to play with us.

“He would be in the same situation at Newcastle having to compete with Chris Budrys and Alan Nagington.”

Kidsgrove boss hopes his strikers continue hot form

Kidsgrove Athletic manager Peter Ward is hoping his in-form front men can lead them to victory over Lincoln United on Saturday (Oct 30).

Dave Walker (14) and Liam Shotton (six) have netted 20 times this season so far and Walker in particular has been terrorising defences.

Kidsgrove Athletic via club website

Walker bagged four goals in Athletic’s 4-0 win over Rainworth Miners Welfare and Ward hopes the rest of the side can keep providing them with opportunites in front of goal.

He said:  “We have two great lads up front.

“They are doing really well but we need to make sure they get the support. They are only going to score in games if they get good service.”