Winter welcome

Having started his career with Trafford, the 23-year-old played for Northwich Victoria and Halifax, and this season he represented Matlock before joining Hyde in December.

Fylde manager Dave Challinor said: “I’m delighted to add Harry to the squad. He gives us more quality and competition in the midfield area as we’ve been a little bit short since Gary Stopforth got injured.

“We targeted Harry when he was at Halifax but we missed out. He’s been frustrated at Hyde and not been getting regular football, so he is looking for a fresh start.

“He had a bad injury whilst at Halifax but was integral in getting them promoted the season before last. He’s a very good footballer, physically a little different to what we already have and his extra height in the middle is a bonus.

“He still has the ability to play higher and hopefully we can provide him the stage to do that. He’s young, keen to learn and I’m positive he will integrate into the squad seamlessly.”

Fylde were disappointed to see Saturday’s home match against Salford City postponed by the match official due to a frozen pitch.

The Coasters, who proceeded to hold a training session on the Kellamergh Park pitch, have rearranged the match for Tuesday, April 17.

Only one match went ahead in Evo-Stik First Division North and saw Fylde’s next opponents Durham City climb to seventh, just one point outside the play-off zone, with a 2-1 win at Bamber Bridge. Durham welcome Fylde to the North East on Saturday.

Brig are due in action again tonight at Curzon Ashton, who will replace Fylde at the top if they win.

n The North West Counties League was again virtually wiped out by the freeze, with AFC Blackpool and Squires Gate’s matches frozen off for the second Saturday running.

Both the Fylde coast’s premier division clubs are due on the road in midweek, with Gate visiting Barnoldswick tomorrow and Blackpool bound for Bacup on Wednesday.