WINSFORD United manager Dave Twite has signed an international goalkeeper.
It is the finishing touch to a squad he is convinced will lead to the revival of the club.
Matthew Tucker, who lives at Middlewich, has captained the British Univeristies side and he made his debut against Rylands in a friendly on Saturday. He kept a clean sheet as United romped to a four-goal victory.
Twite said: 'I was impressed with him. He has landed in our lap. He is home from uni at Birmingham, wanted a club and contacted me. He could turn out a bonus for us.'
After nine friendlies - and there's at least one more to go - as well as 10 weeks training Twite has thinned down the numbers to a manageable squad.
Anyone wondering what his line-up to start the season against Oldham Town might be, there were clues aplenty against Rylands.
The team at kick-off was: Tucker, Martin Griffiths, Lee Sproats, Martin McGrath, captain Dave Turner, Jamie Williams, Chris Hutchinson, Mark Quinn, Chris Melia, Stuart Wellstead and Neil Harrison, all of whom are United newcomers. Indeed, only Les Miranda and Ian Carthy remain from last season, although centre back Lee Morgan, who has been coaching in Spain, has resumed training at the Barton Stadium.
Midfielders Jamie Williams and Quinn were outstanding while the goals came from Harrison (2 mins), Melia (8), Quinn (73) and Wellstead (85).
Blues play their last scheduled friendly tonight (Wednesday) at Mid Cheshire Leaguers, Crewe FC. The game kicks off at 6.30pm at the Cumberland Sports Ground. Twite wants to arrange one last practice match next Tuesday after a stiff training session on Saturday.
'The side is taking shape in my mind,' he said.
He is satisfied with the partnerships of Turner and Chambers at centre back and Melia and Wellstead up front, while ex-Liverpool player Quinn is the pick of the midfield. Competition for places might well now be around those five.
'We have had some good results. Rylands are a solid Mid Cheshire League side. We'll meet better, but it was a good workout and we won handsomely.
'I know some have worried our pre-season started too early, but I have had to assemble an all-new squad, I needed them fit and as much a team as they can be, and we are not far off that. We need a good start and the FA Cup, which is really important to the club, happens early on for us.' MIDDLEWICH Town have signed Barnton hot-shot David Dale.
The 26-year-old Frodsham-based striker has collected six championship medals at Barnton where he has finished up as leading scorer on at least three occasions.
Middlewich boss Terry Murphy said: 'I'm made up. I signed him for Barn-ton and am surprised he has never gone higher.'
Middlewich drew with North West Counties Leaguers Alsager Town 2-2 in a friendly on Saturday, Lee Murphy and Will Killey twice giving them the lead and Murphy struck a post with a last-minute penalty.
'We looked useful again - and the young lads for the reserves are giving me a headache they are playing so well,' said manager Murphy.
Middlewich switch to competitive football on Saturday, when Lostock Gralam visit Seddon Street in the Mid Cheshire FA Senior Cup preliminary round. Town have recruited Peter Gibbon from the Grey Lambs and he will probably be in the squad.
It is back to friendlies on Wednesday, August 13 when a Manchester City Xl visit Seddon Street (6.30pm).
