MICKY Allison will be Congleton Town's shotstopper for the coming season as one of four new players signed by the Bears.

Joining him at the club are left back John Evans, fellow defender Mark Taffe from Stoke City, and midfielder Jared Moss from Congleton.

Rod Thornley hit four and there was a hat-trick for Lee Cunliffe as the Bears hammered New Brighton 7-1 away as part of their programme of pre-season friendlies.

The first match saw Congleton go down 4-2 at home to Macclesfield Town, Thornley and Wayne Johnson scoring for the Bears.

Congleton beat Knypersley Vics 2-1 at home with goals from Lee Ellis and John Evans, and lost 2-0 at Fleetwood.

They take on Rhyl at home this Saturday and Kidsgrove next Tuesday before their league opener on August 14 at home to Bradford Park Avenue.

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