FOOTBALL: Hot-shot Thommo gives lift to Lyne (From Witney Gazette)

FOOTBALL: Hot-shot Thommo gives lift to Lyne

8:00am Wednesday 1st July 2009

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Witney United striker Ben Thompson has put pen to paper on an extended contract with the Premier Division outfit.

It’s a major boost for boss Andy Lyne to keep the hitman, who scored 39 goals last season in 47 appearances.

It culminated in his being awarded the league’s Golden Boot award as Witney enjoyed a good FA Vase run and finished in third place in the League, the highest position in their short history.

Lyne was delighted to retain the services of the former Norwich City front man.

“We worked hard to get Ben to come to Witney in the first place, following his move down from East Anglia,” said Lyne.

“And so I am more than plea-sed that we have been able to retain his services in the face of stiff competition.

“Football at this level is all about contacts both locally and nationally and you build upon those down the years – that is what started the negotiation process with him last season.

“Thus we were not going to let him slip through our fingers. If we are to challenge again this season.

“He is a manager’s dream, a fit, dedicated and quality player who has terrific application and sets himself high standards and with him in your side you go in to every game knowing you have a chance of winning”.

In addition, fellow striker Andrew Younie has also agreed to stay for at least another season.

A student at Portsmouth University, Younie will miss the first few training sessions as he is in America where he is taking part in a World Universities football tournament.

Club skipper and longest serving player John McMahon is joined by keeper Richard Barrett and Vinny Byfield in agreeing to stay for next season.

Meanwhile, North Leigh with host Zamaretto South-ern League Premier Division outfit Oxford City at home on Tuesday, July 28, as part of their preparations for the forthcoming Division 1 South & West campaign.

They also entertain Witney United on July 25.

NORTH LEIGH friendlies Sat, 11 July: Rothwell Town (a )(3); Wed, July 15: Kidlington (a) (7.45); Sat, July 18: Northampton Spencer (a) 3; Sat, July 25: Witney Utd (h) (3): Tue, July 28: Oxford City (h) (7.45); Sat, Aug 1: Ardley Utd (a) (3): Tue, August 4: Woodford Town (a) 7.45; Fri, August 7: Shortwood (a) (7.45).

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