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 Leek Town Weekly News - 12th October 12/10/2008
MCMAHON DOES U-TURN
Leek Town manager Wayne Johnson has been disappointed by his recent capture’s decision to remain at Stafford Rangers and fight for his place.
Striker Paul McMahon, who signed for Blues just over a week ago after Ranger’s manager Steve Bull waived the customary seven days notice of approach, did a u-turn without kicking a ball for his ‘new club’.
Circumstances changed at Marston Road during the week with the news that star striker Nick Wellecomme had been jailed on assault charges closely followed by the release of leading scorer David McNiven who has joined Fleetwood Town on loan in a cost cutting exercise.
Rangers’ manager Steve Bull therefore found himself short-handed up front and persuaded McMahon, 29, to remain at Marston Road.
Johnson said, “With Wellecomme out of action for eight months and McNiven out on loan, Paul thinks he has still got a chance after sitting for most of the season on the bench.
“He has apologised for messing us about but has told me he will turn out for Leek if and when required providing Stafford don’t have a game.
"I am disappointed, but there are no ill feelings. Paul naturally wants to play as high as he can and is keen to give it another go at Stafford." he added.
JOHNSON TURNS TO THOMPSON
After missing out on Stafford Rangers front-runner Paul McMahon, Blues’ boss Wayne Johnson turned his attention to Crewe Alexandra in an attempt at temporarily solving the club’s goalscoring problems.
Johnson signed promising Crewe striker Josh Thompson in time to make his debut in the Staffordshire Senior Cup clash with Stafford Rangers at Harrison Park on Saturday.
Thompson, 18, is a first year professional at the Alex and was leading scorer with the academy last season with 17 strikes.
The fleet-footed youngster arrives at Harrison Park on a one month loan deal after recovering from an injury that has kept him out of the first team squad this season.
Former Leek manager Neil Baker, the Crewe assistant manager, recommended Thompson who hails from the Rugby area.
SENIOR CUP REVIEW
Leek Town bowed out of the Staffordshire Senior Cup at the hands of Blue Square North high-flyers Stafford Rangers on Saturday but the scoreline flattered the visitors somewhat.
Leek more than matched their county neighbours and were worth far more than the scoreline suggests.
Blues turned in a tremendous performance but trailed to a David McNiven strike at the break before former Leek striker Dorryl Proffitt capitalised on a defensive blunder with a goal that proved to be the turning point in the game just 20 minutes from time.
Leek deservedly pulled a goal back through Leon Ashman 7 minutes from time but two late strikes by Rangers as Leek were pushing for the equaliser sealed the tie in favour of the Marston Road outfit.
Johnson made two changes to his starting line-up with Crewe Alex youngster Josh Thompson making his debut up front at the expence of Tommy Smith whilst Steve Brannan was preferred to Olly Edwards in the wide right position.
Meanwhile, Rangers manager Steve Bull named Fleetwood-bound striker David McNiven in his starting line-up that also included his two loan players Tom Thorley and Jimmy Phillips from Stoke City and former Leek midfielder Dave MacPherson.
Bull also included ex-Leek striker Dorryl Proffitt on the bench following his capture from Witton Albion whilst Paul McMahon, who signed UniBond forms for Leek just over a week ago, also won a seat on the bench as he opted to stay at Marston Road rather than move to Harrison Park.
Johnson could not hide his disappointment reflecting that the score did not match the effort his men had put in.
“I’m still a bit bemused, it was never a 4-1 game but it’s all about putting the ball in the net – they did and we didn’t.
“In all my time in football there’s never been a time where you don’t give the players a tongue lashing after a result like that but the lads had done nothing wrong.
“”I’m stuck for words, everybody is telling me how well we played and I agree with them, so I’m at a bit of a loss to explain it.
“We’re doing most things right and so I feel for the lads, but I can’t keep saying that, we must start turning performances into victories”, he added.
ITS SHEPSHED NEXT
Next Saturday Leek Town are at home to high-flying Shepshed Dynamo who have been somewhat of a surprise package this season.
Dynamo have topped the league already this term but have fallen to 4th place due to cup commitments having netted 18 points from 8 games played.
Blues are five points adrift of Shepshed who currently have the distinction of being the only side in the UniBond North who remain unbeaten in league action.
However, Dynamo showed their vulnerability on Saturday when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Kidsgrove Athletic.
Blues’ new on-loan striker Josh Thompson is due to make his league debut whilst manager Wayne Johnson welcomes back leading scorer Ashley Miller who has completed a three match ban.
MORE PLAYER NEWS
Manager Wayne Johnson is currently running the rule over two players who have played in the Blue Square North this season as he looks to add quality to the squad.
Left sided defender Ishamel Reid and midfielder Christian Dacre have both been released by Stafford Rangers recently and have attended training at Harrison Park with a view to signing UniBond League forms.
Meanwhile, skipper Nick Ward faces a lengthy ban after being sent off twice within a week.
Ward was recently dismissed for two yellow cards whilst playing in Sunday League football in the Potteries whilst last week he was red carded for a challenge in Leek’s league game at Rushall.
The Blues’ skipper will now miss three games commencing 21 October and that will be followed by a seven-day ban handed down by the Staffs FA for the Sunday League sending off.
Leek manager Wayne Johnson was not too pleased with Ward’s Sunday League dismissal as he has a policy of no Sunday League football for any of his players unless he has given them permission.
It is believed that three Leek players have now been dealt with internally for breaching this rule.
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