Ammies make an Ash and grab loan raid

SALFORD City have made their first signing of the January transfer window with the addition of versatile attacker Ashley Hunter on loan from Fleetwood Town.

The 24-year-old, who can play anywhere across the forward line but is predominantly a left-winger, will spend the remainder of the 2019/20 campaign at the Peninsula Stadium.

Despite making 14 appearances in League One for the Fisherman this term, Hunter has been limited to only one start, and has thus made the move to Greater Manchester in pursuit of increased game-time. At Moor Lane, Hunter is reunited with the manager who handed him his senior professional debut in 2015, with Graham Alexander frequently selecting the then 19-year-old towards the climax of the 2014/15 campaign.

He soon established himself as a Fleetwood regular, and has since made 215 appearances in all competitions for the Lancashire outfit – 183 of those in the third tier.

Hunter is not expected to be the only arrival at Salford City during the January window, with Alexander revealing his eagerness to strengthen his squad earlier this week.

The Scotsman admitted he is targeting the ‘final ingredient’ as the Ammies set their sights on a push towards the League Two promotion picture, with them currently sitting 11th and seven points below the play-off fray.

The Ammied have also decided to extend the contract of winger Craig Conway until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old was initially on a short-term deal, but a string of impressive performances – contributing four assists in 12 league appearances – has seen the Scotland international rewarded with a new deal.

ROCHDALE boss Brian BarryMurphy has hailed Ian Henderson after he scored in the 2-1 win at Accrington on New Year’s Day.

The striker netted in first-half stoppage time, with Stephen Dooley adding a second in the League Two clash.

“It was an amazing performance from our lads and a great reaction to the late goal we conceded at Gillingham on Sunday,” said boss Barry-Murphy.

“Whenever Ian Henderson plays, the opposition know he is going to be a problem for them.

“He gave everyone a lift and it was great to see him back on the pitch.”