New arrival will add experience and goals, says boss Smith

Canterbury City

Canterbury City have signed Gary Mickelborough on the eve of the new season,

The experienced attacking wide man, joins his brother-inlaw Sam Conlon at the club and boss Ben Smith is pleased to have signed him. Mickelborough started last season at Ashford United, before spells with Whitstable and Lydd Town. Smith said: “I have known Gary for a long time and Sam mentioned to me he was interested in signing. “He watched one of our pre-season games and was involved in the 4-0 win against Kennington on Saturday. “I am looking for him to add experience and goals to the team.” Liam Hrerorow, Ryan Philpott, Danny Lawrence (penalty) and Patrick Nzuzi were the scorers against the Kent County League outfit at Homelands. Smith wants City to improve their goal tally this season. He said: “We play possession based football but missed too many chances and need to be more ruthless.” City start the season with an FA Cup extra preliminary round trip to Southern Counties East League, Division 1 side Bridon Ropes at Charlton on Saturday. The unprecedented decision to fixture ties on the first weekend followed a proposal from Step 3/4, including Ryman League clubs, to play the preliminary round a week early. They were worried about replays, costing them attractive Bank Holiday derbies. Smith said: “It’s the first time they have played in the competition and so it will be like a final to them. “They will be underdogs and we don’t want to be on the end of an upset but it won’t be a walkover or a ‘gimme’ either.” Defender Ben Gorham is unavailable but under-18 defender Will Hyndeman will be in the squad, having had a taste of senior action in preseason. Smith said: “He has stepped up but has still looked in his comfort zone, which shows his quality. He could be a little bit of a dark horse for us.”