Key, 30, signed a two-and-a-half year contract on Friday after having impressed Gardiner during a loan spell earlier in the season.

"I had the chance to sign Lance, who I feel is a very talented goalkeeper, and I didn't want to let that opportunity pass," said Gardiner.

"I want competition in every department of the squad and Dean (Greygoose) was the only player whose place was assured.

"Now we have two quality 'keepers fighting for the one spot. It is good news for Northwich Vics."

Greygoose, 35, has been struggling recently with a broken finger and a groin strain which left Gardiner concerned about cover for the forthcoming FA Umbro Trophy clash with Kingstonian.

The signing of Key, who was also a target for Hartlepool, Scunthorpe, Halifax and Barrow, solves that potential problem.

Chairman Rod Stitch said: "Getting to Wembley, as I have said before, will balance the books but it will also be a great opportunity for major silverware. The problem was that there are doubts over Dean's fitness for the crucial games and the manager didn't want to play him when he wasn't 100 per cent fit.

"The signing of Lance means we have competition for the goalkeeper's position."

And it is clear Gardiner is not scared of dropping Greygoose in favour of Key when both are fit.

He added: "I am doing everything I can to get the best team on the pitch for Northwich Vics.

"If long established players aren't figuring in the team then so be it, because I can't be sentimental. Whoever plays in goal will earn that shirt on merit."

Mr Stitch added: "Dean's contract is up at the end of the season but he will be offered a new one and we hope he will accept it."

MARK Gardiner has already set about ensuring his squad is intact for next season by agreeing terms for a new contract with striker Ian Cooke.

Winger Darren Vicary is also expected to sign a contract extension within the next week and forward Paul Tait has been offered new terms, although he is delaying a decision.

CARWYN Williams' contract has been cancelled and the player has now registered with both Vics and Runcorn.

He will be play with the UniBond side until the end of the season but Mark Gardiner may be required to recall the striker if there is a shortage of forwards for the Trophy game with Kingstonian.

With Nathan Peel cup-tied and Ian Cooke unable to train or play a full 90 minutes due to a knee injury, the manager has limited options.

He has been presented with a silver-lining to one dark cloud though. Wes Simpson, Stuart Terry and Paul Tait all have suspensions looming after receiving their fifth bookings of the season last week.

But all three will be eligible for selection again for the Kingstonian tie. Simpson and Terry are set to miss the home league game with Doncaster while Tait will sit out the Farnborough game.

A HOST of scouts from league clubs were at The Drill Field to see Northwich hammer league leaders Kettering 4-0.

And manager Mark Gardiner accepts that renewed interest in his players will come with each good result.

He said: "I don't want to lose any of my players but I know there are some who want to get into the league. Sometimes you have to consider offers not just for the club's benefit but also for the player. I can't stop a player bettering himself, no matter how much I may want to."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.