Striker Raul heads west to Bala after one season

RAUL Correia has left Southport for Cymru Premier side Bala Town. The former Chorley, York City and Blackpool striker bagged 11 goals in 22 games for Radcliffe Borough, persuading Sandgrounders manager Liam Watson to sign him in 2019.

Watson said at the time: ‘‘Raul is everything we’re looking for in a striker: he’s powerful, direct and has got loads of pace.

‘‘I’m really pleased by how well Raul has done for us in pre-season and he’s hungry to be a success.

‘‘He has already integrated well with the squad, I’ve been pleased by how he has performed so far and I’m sure he will be an important player for us this season.’’

A Portuguese citizen who was born in Angola, Raul played for the Port up front during the pre-season, impressing Watson in the friendly games.

The 26-year-old, who moved to England at a young age, is a strong centre forward who has also had time with Guiseley and York City.

Speaking this week of signing the forward, Bala manager Colin Caton said: “We’ve chased Raul’s signature since he played against us in a preseason friendly with Southport last season. He’s a big strong boy, he’s quick, and it adds to our striking options, as we only had four strikers at the club and we need more really, to allow us to rotate the team over the season.

“I’ve been a big admirer of Raul as I watched him play a lot for Southport last season, and went over there to watch, he’s a Manchester based lad, so he’ll be able to travel in with Lassana (Mendes), and they’re good friends as well.

“He’s going to be a good signing and a good asset, and whichever striker stakes a claim over the season, Raul will add competition to the places and he gives us different dynamics of how we can play him in the team. He’s young, fit and athletic and his aerial strength is good as well, so he’ll be fighting for his place with the other strikers at the club. It’s great to have him on board”.

Correia played 21 games and scored four goals during his time at the Pure Stadium, with his last game being on January 4 this year.