Teenage striker Momodou Touray has signed for Southern League Merthyr Town.
Touray, who celebrated his 18th birthday last month, goes straight into the Martyrs squad for their Premier Division match against Dunstable Town away on Saturday (3pm).
He has joined Merthyr on loan from League Two club Newport County. Touray played for the Exiles in their pre-season fixture against Merthyr and caught the eye of manager Gavin Williams.
“We were impressed with Momodou and look forward to working with him during his time with us,” said Williams. “I would like to thank Newport County for agreeing the loan which I am sure will be beneficial to all parties.
“This continues the good relationship we have with Newport.”
Touray was originally part of the County’s community-run college programme before being rewarded with a two-year scholarship following his impressive performances for the club’s futsal and South West Counties teams.
He played for Newport’s youth team when they won the EFL Youth Alliance Merit League One title last season.
While Touray joins Merthyr, defender Matthew Harris has joined Welsh League Briton Ferry Llansawel on loan.
Harris has made the move to improve his match fitness after two years out injured.
Merthyr manager Williams says: “Matthew is a big part of our plans going forward and he needs as much game time as possible after a two year spell on the sidelines with injury.
“We’re looking forward to having Matthew back at the club soon.”
Harris is hoping to play regularly for First Division Briton Ferry, who are at home to Llanelli this evening (Friday), and that will play a big part in his battle to regain full fitness.
The Martyrs were left frustrated in midweek when they had Ian Traylor sent off during a 2-2 draw against Stratford Town. Merthyr led 2-0, but the home team hit back to snatch a point.
Merthyr have drawn both of their Southern League fixtures, but will hope to open their win account at Dunstable, who are bottom of the table after two defeats. They have scored one goal and conceded nine.
Hitchin defender Will Wright has joined Colchester United U23s from Hitchin Town for an undisclosed fee.
Wright is a central defender or right back who joins the U23s from Hitchin Town.
The former Luton Town player spent four weeks on trial at Norwich City in the summer before spending time with Colchester.
Wright has signed a two year contract with the U’s to initially become part of their under-23 squad.”
Merthyr Town, from: O Davies, A Davies, S Tancock, J Wright, C Pring, R Patten, E Richards, K Copp, I Traylor, S Fleetwood, C Jenkins, B Watkins, A Evans, J Bowen, K Morgan.
