AIRBUS UK Broughton player-manager Gareth Owen has swooped for his second signing of the transfer window in the shape of former Connah’s Quay Nomads defender Gary Lovell.

The 20-year-old was a mainstay in the Nomads side that came within touching distance of qualifying for Europe last season before following boss Nev Powell to Bangor in the summer.

The former Tranmere Rovers reserve started the campaign as Bangor’s first choice left-back but he has recently had to play second fiddle to Martin Beattie.

Lovell may be handed his Wingmakers debut in tomorrow’s visit of Port Talbot to the Airfield (2.30pm) as centre-back Gareth Sudlow, who has been standing in for teenage prospect Rees Darlington, has an ankle injury.

Owen’s number two Craig Harrison, who was a left-back for Middlesbrough, Preston and Crystal Palace, said: “From what I’ve seen of Gary he looks a very good player.

“Gareth Sudlow has been playing left-back and he’s done a good job, but I think it’s good to have a naturally left-footed player at left-back and at left-midfield, as otherwise you cut off a quarter of the pitch. It’s not right-footed players’ fault, it’s only natural for them to come inside.

“Also the great thing about Gary is that he is a little bit more experienced than Rees so he can pass on to him what he’s learned, and I can pass on to Gary what I know.”

Lovell’s former club Bangor thrashed Airbus 5-0 on Saturday, so Harrison and Owen will be looking for a response in tomorrow’s clash with Port Talbot, who are 10 points and six places above Airbus in seventh.

Harrison said: “We couldn’t argue with the score against Bangor. We simply didn’t have enough lads playing well and in Gareth’s and my opinion there was only one or two who could say they did themselves any sort of justice.

“We had a go at them after the match because we weren’t happy and to be fair to them they put their hands up and said they knew they weren’t good enough.”

Young goalkeeper Ashley Crossthwaite may take his place between the posts once more as Chris Doran is still troubled by a hip injury, while new defender Matty Woodward, signed from Harrison’s old club Upton AA, is struggling with an ankle injury.

Owen was looking at Woodward’s Upton AA team-mate, ex-Manchester City midfielder Ashley Williams, but he has joined Blue Square North strugglers Vauxhall Motors.