Dream switch as Kempster signs for York
WHITLEY Bay winger Alex Kempster has signed a professional deal with FA Trophy holders York City, impressing the Minstermen during a trial.
The move brings an end to Kempster’s five-year stay at the Ebac Northern League Division One club, where he scored 54 goals in 208 appearances for the four-time FA Vase winners.
Kempster, 22, netted a hat-trick for their reserves in a Central League North game against Hartlepool United at Bootham Crescent.
That persuaded Minstermen boss and former Sunderland player Martin Gray to hand Kempster his first professional contract.
He could make his debut in a National League North game at Curzon Ashton on Saturday and, after agreeing his deal, Kempster admitted it had been a “whirlwind” day.
He said: “I am absolutely buzzing to be honest. It has been a bit of a whirlwind.
“I played the game, did quite well and scored a hat-trick and spoke to the gaffer after the game. He has put his faith in me and wants me here until the end of the season at least. I have to take the opportunity, you strive to become a professional footballer and play full-time. It is what every lad dreams of really.”
Only one of the seven scheduled games involving Northern League clubs took place last night as Jarrow Roofing hammered Washington in a clash between two of Division One’s bottom three.
The Roofers took the lead midway through the first-half when David Palmer got on the end of a Liam Anderson pass and fired past Washington keeper Dan Gladstone.
The two sides went into halftime on level-terms thanks to a long-range effort from Jake Pickard deflected past Roofers’ shotstopper Shaun Newbrook.
The hosts went back in front on 66 minutes with another goal from the in-form Liam Anderson.
Lee Kerr’s long-range effort was parried by Gladstone but Anderson was on hand to notch his sixth counter in four games
Things became even better for the Roofers two minutes later when Dennis Knight went on a mazy run past three Washington defenders and then produced a powerful finish to extend their lead.
Paul Gardiner and Olly Martin were both on the scoresheet in the last 15 minutes as the Roofers ran out 5-1 winners and secured a third victory in their last four games.