YOUTH team stars Nathan Hayward and Zac Costello have both been rewarded their efforts in pre-season with one-year professional contracts.

The duo helped the youth team win the MFYL Western Division Championship and scoop the County U18s Cup and the League Cup.

It will be a first taste of football at first-team level for highly-rated Costello, whilst Hayward has already made a senior appearance in last season's Setanta Shield.

"I think it's fair to say that these two boys were probably the best of a very successful crop last season," commented manager Mark Yates.

"Nathan is obviously a player we're aware of - he's played well for us in pre-season and he's a really great, raw talent.

"Zac has impressed us this summer, he's a good footballer and a decent defender and if we can get a little more aggression into his game then I'm sure we could have a player on our hands."