Pitchero Non League

Elliott Kennedy

.....to Evo-Stik League Southern Division One South & West new boys Shortwood United.

Wood put in seven days' notice for the former Birmingham City youngster and Bishop's Cleeve man, but he has decided to remain at Saracens.

"Elliott has been our best player in the last few games since he returned from suspension," Sara's manager Gerry Oldham said. "He's an infectious lad and I've known him since he was an under-8 player.

“He's been one of my better signings here and he turned down Shortwood, which is pleasing. They are a division above us, but the grass isn't always greener and we are not far behind them now."

Saracens travel to Reading Town today aiming to build on Wednesday night's 2-1 victory over Shrivenham which lifted them to sixth in the table. They trailed with 15 minutes remaining, but Kennedy levelled and Ethan Moore's ninth goal in five matches stole the points for Oldham's men "We were not at our best, but we showed character against a big, strong side who made it difficult for us," Oldham said.

Former Cheltenham Town professional Moore's goalscoring form has also attracted interest from other clubs, but he has turned down a switch to another Southern Division One South & Wes6t outfit, Swindon Supermarine.

Oldham is keen keep him at Petersfield Park until at least Christmas as he regains full fitness after nine months out of action following his departure from Cheltenham Town.

"I have been honest with Ethan and he is flourishing here," Oldham said. "He will get better and better the more he plays after so long out. I know him well and I think I know how to get the best out of him."

Reading lie rock bottom of the table, with seven defeats from seven games. "We have to be careful because they are going to pick up their first points at some time and we don't want that to be against us," Oldham said.

Jamie Hammond, Pat Sayce and Jack Oldham all remain sidelined with injury, but there is positive news regarding Spike Rhodes, whose operation to remove kidney stones has been a success.

The central midfielder is due to back in around a month, by which time Oldham believes he will have enough quality available to finish in the upper reaches of the division.

"We need to stay in the top six until Christmas and we can kick on from there," he said. "When I have everyone back I'll have a few selection problems, but I love that. The bench is already strong and we have made substitutions who have made a difference when they've gone on, so it's all looking good and I am just after more of the same from the lads now."

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