Harper returns for third Town spell (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Harper returns for third Town spell

12:00pm Friday 11th January 2013 in Local

BEWDLEY Town have welcomed back keeper Tommy Harper.

The gifted shot-stopper pulled off a string of saves in Town’s 2-1 loss to Pegasus Juniors in the West Midlands League Premier Division.

He returns to the club which kicked-off his senior career for a third spell.

Harper had re-joined his old club in the summer but left swiftly to move to league rivals Dudley Town.

However, he has found his first team chances limited as he was second choice behind Aaron O’Malley.

Joint-manager Craig Payton said: “It’s great to have Tommy back.

“He is going to work with Darren Steadman and between them they will work out who starts each match this season, although the plan is for Tommy to be number one next year.

“We’re hoping Darren, who is an excellent coach, can get Tommy back to his best.”

On Saturday, a rusty Bewdley side went 2-0 down in Hereford before Luke Towler pulled a goal back.

Tuesday night’s clash at home to Sporting Khalsa was called off at short notice after a late burst of rain.

But hopes are high that Saturday’s home clash against Bustleholme goes ahead (3pm ko).

Payton said: “We were very rusty on Saturday and Pegasus deserved to win the match.

“In truth, we’ve played twice in two months and it feels like we’re starting all over again.

“We’ve been training in the gym but it’s not the same as playing games and it is going to take a while for us to get back to full fitness.”

Bewdley have spoken to West Midlands League officials in the hope that there will play more home games early in the 2013-14 campaign which will limit the disruption caused by the bad weather.

“We’ve spoken to Neil Juggins about playing more games at home early in the season and hopefully he’s going to look at it,” added Payton.

“Our ground is susceptible to the rain but the last two seasons have been particularly wet and we need to do something about it.”