Newark & Sherwood welcome back Liam Moran on dual-registration from Carlton, marking his return with winning goal at Kimberley Miners Welfare in United Counties League

Newark & Sherwood have been boosted by the return of last season’s top scorer.

Liam Moran scored 21 goals for the Highwaymen, winning manager’s player and players’ player-of-the-year awards.

He departed for higher-league football at Carlton but has now rejoined United on dual-registration.

The forward marked his first game back by scoring the decisive goal in a 3-2 United Counties League Premier Division North win at Kimberley Miners Welfare on Saturday.

“It was a bit of a loss when he went to ply his trade at a higher level but he’s not been getting the game time he’d like,” said Newark boss Romaine Graham.

“So we managed to sort out a deal to get him back for the foreseeable future and hopefully get him off and running again.

“I spoke to Liam a few months back because I’ve been keeping my eye on him.

“I always say to players when you get to Christmas, see how you feel and I noticed he wasn’t getting much game time so I made the approach and we’ve managed to dual-sign him.

“He’s still registered at Carlton but he’s going to be with us and we’ll assess it in a couple of months.

“Ultimately it’ll probably be his decision if he wants to continue with us or go back.

“He scored on Saturday but Liam, being the ultimate professional, was more focusing on a couple of half-chances where he might have done better.

“But it was a typical Liam goal, he’s just so alert in the box, always ready.

“It’s a real big boost to the squad to get him back. My attacking options are really good now but when he’s in full flight he’s a difficult player to leave out.

“He’s a massive source of goals.”

The Highwaymen, whose depleted team were beaten 4-0 at second-placed Bourne Town on Tuesday night, have also signed a new goalkeeper.

They needed cover for university student Ollie Cash, who has returned south for Christmas.

The new man is Nykah Liburd-Hines, who was once on the books at Nottingham Forest and Hereford. His previous club was Oadby Town.

A suspension hanging over him from Sunday football has delayed his debut but it’s hoped he could feature at Wisbech this Saturday (3pm).

“He got suspended playing for his Sunday team, which affects all football, so we’re just waiting to get him cleared,” said Graham.

“It’s a bit of a nightmare situation, so fingers crossed we can get that resolved by the weekend at the very latest.”

Back-up keeper Beau Watson, who’s been filling in, has let nobody down with his performances.

“He’s done well although his body is in bits,” said Graham. “He’s such a good character.

“There was one game when Ollie was struggling for a lift and Beau turned round and picked him up.

“If Ollie wasn’t there, Beau would have been in but that’s the type of character he is. I’ve always got time for Beau.”

Goals from Benni Wilson and Kole Lambert opened up a 2-0 lead at struggling Kimberley.

The hosts replied midway through the second half and scored an injury-time consolation after Moran had restored the two-goal advantage.