UniBond League

MALBON JOINS BLUES

Leek Town have signed Port Vale youth team striker Anthony Malbon on 'work experience' terms.

Stoke born Anthony began his career on the books at Derby County but moved on to Port Vale and was youth team player of the year in the 2008/09 season when he scored 23 goals.

Malbon also made one first team appearance as a substitute for the Vale in May 2009 against Barnet but now Vale boss Micky Adams is keen for the youngster to get some first team action under his belt in men’s football.

The 18-year old striker was denied his first Blues game when the fixture at Kidsgrove Athletic last Tuesday suffered a late postponement but he celebrated his Blues’ debut netting twice in the 3-1 win over Carlton Town on Saturday.

MORE PLAYER NEWS

Leek Town have released striker Paul McMahon from his UniBond registration after receiving seven days notice of approach from league rivals Market Drayton Town.

McMahon departed Harrison Park after the league cup exit at the hands of Curzon Ashton just over a week ago but Blues have waived the required notice required in the interests of good relations.

New player coach Paul Macari missed his second game on Saturday after retuning to Harrison Park last week when he was on duty at his daughter’s birthday celebrations in Paris.

Blues’ second top scorer, Leon Ashman also missed the victory over Carlton whilst attending a course at work.

Both players will return to the squad on Tuesday night but midfielder Richard Bailey will miss the game sitting a work-based exam.

Meanwhile, long term injury victim Carl Allen will finally see his specialist later this month to reveal the results of a scan on the knee injury that has kept him out of action after colliding with a goalpost in the home game against Rushall on 21 November.

CARLTON REVIEW

Leek Town recorded their first home win since 19 September when they beat a useful Carlton Town side 3-1 at Harrison Park on Saturday.

Blues now occupy ninth spot and are within striking distance of the play-off places after racking up back-to-back victories in their last two games.

Despite not having won at home in eight games (they were all draws), Blues remain unbeaten in league action at Harrison Park this season whilst a run of sixteen league games unbeaten on their own turf in league games stretches back to March 2009.

There were chances for both sides in the opening 40 minutes before Leek took a stranglehold on the game with two well-taken goals from debutant striker Anthony Malbon who joined the club this week on 'Work Experience' terms from Port Vale.

Malbon, 18, headed home his first after 41 minutes and his second came four minutes later when he muscled past two defenders before unleashing an unstoppable shot low into the bottom corner.

Blues extended their lead on 57 minutes when Paul Rutter scored his fourth goal in as many games and although Martin Ball pulled a goal back for Carlton seven minutes from time, it was no more than a consolation.

After the game delighted Blues’ boss Wayne Johnson said, “That was an excellent performance although it was a hard fought battle.

“Carlton are a good, attacking side but we showed again we are difficult to beat at home. We showed a lot of desire and commitment to win the game and we more than deserved the points.

“We played well throughout the side with Steve Hodgson rarely troubled whilst the defence got in some good tackles to keep Carlton’s strike force at bay.

“In midfield we were strong and up front the strikers took their chances with three quality goals to crown an all-round, satisfying display.

“We’ve now made one small step in a massive month of fixtures but it’s an excellent start to a difficult period which continues with the home game against Witton on Tuesday”, he added.

IT’S WITTON NEXT…..

On Tuesday Leek take on Witton Albion at home in a re-arranged fixture after the scheduled game on New Years Day was postponed due to a snowbound frozen pitch.

Witton are in fine form at the moment having won their last three games on the trot and will be looking to avenge the defeat Blues inflicted on them at Wincham Park way back in August when a Leon Ashman goal decided the game.

The Albion are currently 6th in the table with 45 points from 25 games and just five points and three places ahead of Leek who have a game in hand.

Games against Witton are always tight affairs and Tuesday’s encounter is considered a big six-pointer with both clubs pushing for a play-off place.

Blues could face former defender and skipper Paul Booth who now plays for Witton but he has been struggling to shake off an injury and is considered doubtful. The game kicks off at 7.45.

….THEN GLAPWELL

On Saturday Blues travel to take on promotion hopefuls Glapwell who lost at table-topping Mickleover on Saturday – the defeat ended a magnificent run of 16 undefeated league games for the Derbyshire outfit.

No doubt Glapwell will be looking to get straight back on course and also gain some revenge for the cup defeat inflicted on them by Leek at their place earlier in the season.

Glapwell currently occupy 7th place in the league table with 45 points from 23 games whilst Blues are five points and two places below them although their hosts have a game in hand.

AN EVENING WITH ALAN HUDSON

Leek Town Football Club will hold ‘An Evening With Alan Hudson’ in the Blues Bar on Friday 19 March.

The former Stoke City, Chelsea and England legend is coming to Harrison Park to talk about his life and career and also sign copies of his new book

Tickets priced £15 will soon be available on an individual basis and will include a pie and peas supper.

The event is being sponsored by Wrights Pies and will kick off at 7.30pm and is open to all.

FIXTURE CHANGE

UniBond officials have re-arranged the outstanding league game at Kidsgrove for Tuesday 2 March with a 7.45pm kick off.