NORTHWICH Victoria have made their second signing of the summer in a bid to add more strike power in their first season back in the Conference.

Steve Burr has swooped for 22-year-old Kevin Townson on a free transfer from Macclesfield Town and believes he has captured a promising young talent.

The striker, released by Macclesfield Town, finalised his move with boss Steve Burr following a meeting at the Victoria Stadium on Thursday.

Townson, 22, made 18 appearances for the Silkmen last term, scoring two goals, but he was used mainly as a substitute.

He joins Jonny Allan, Paul Brayson, Mark Sale and Chris Williams in the fight for forward places in the coming campaign.

Burr has already agreed a deal with former Rochdale veteran Gareth Griffiths, while left-back Tony Gallimore is due to sign when he returns from holiday.

He said: "Kevin is a goalscorer and will add competition for places up front which is very important.

"He is very sharp around the box in much the same way as Paul Brayson and is an excellent finisher."

Burr made an unsuccessful attempt to take Townson on loan last year but is delighted to have finally captured his signature.

He said: "When he was at Rochdale he was one on the verge of a move to the Premiership.

"That fell through and I think that takes a bit to get over.

"But hopefully I can get the best out of him here and if I do then we will have an excellent player on our hands.

"We have a good record of taking players from league clubs and hopefully Kevin will continue that.

"If he can do as well as people like Paul Brayson, Jonny Allan and Mark Sale then he will be a great success for us.

"We have given him this opportunity and now it is up to him to show us what he is capable of."

Burr is hoping to sign one more player before the transfer deadline and knows a strong squad is vital for next season.

He added: "I'm hoping to sign a central midfielder to strengthen the squad before the transfer deadline."