Stones sign Northwood to compete with Mullin

Maidstone United’s joint-manager Alan Walker believes new signing Steve Northwood will add competition to the goalkeepers department, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Stones were forced to play defender Lee Shearer in goal during their 2-1 midweek defeat at Heybridge Swifts, due to Pat Mullin pulling up with an injury during the warm-up.

Walker has signed former Thamesmead Town and Cray Wanderers goalkeeper, Steve Northwood, 30, whose expected to make his Stones debut for Hastings United’s visit to Bourne Park on Saturday.

Northwood left Hayes Lane in the close season to play at a higher level, and signed for Heybridge Swifts, but decided to leave Scraley Road due to limited opportunities, and dropped down to Ryman League Division One North side Redbridge, where he played just a couple of games.

“Since Chris Peck moved on we have been actively looking for a replacement keeper but believe it or not, both our reserve and youth teams have also had goalkeeper cover issues,” explained Walker, speaking to www.maidstoneunited.co.uk.

“The youth team currently have a Charlton Athletic scholar on loan to cover their problems and he only joined the club on Monday.

“I had been in discussions with a Polish goalkeeper who had come over to England to live but a couple of weeks ago he decided to go home to Poland for Christmas.

“Steve Northwood will offer some serious competition for Pat Mullin for his place, which is something that this club and Pat need at this time, as competition for places is always healthy.”

Visit Maidstone United’s website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk