Newton Aycliffe have sprung a surprise by signing striker Matty Moffat from West Auckland.

Moffat, who has been a prolific scorer in the Northern League for several years and has played in the Vase final at Wembley twice, was made available for transfer by West Auckland just before the end of the season, and at the weekend his old manager at West, Peter Dixon, agreed a transfer deal to take him to Moore Lane in Newton Aycliffe.

“I know everything about Matty, and he knows everything about me,” he said. “It’s no real gamble. He’s as fit as anyone, even though he’s in his thirties. I’m looking forward to working with him again, because arguably he’s been then best in the Northern League over the last ten to twelve years. He wanted a new challenge, and hopefully he’s got that. We have a lot of good players at Aycliffe now, and we’re ready for pre season.

“This season, I want the team to excite the public. I want us to compete in the first division and not just take part. We don’t want to be in another relegation dogfight.”