RADCLIFFE Borough are hoping to sign former Manchester United man Ben Thornley in time for Saturday's visit of Bradford Park Avenue.

Borough boss Kevin Glendon has contacted the 28-year-old Bury-born winger, recently released by Stalybridge Celtic, with a view to bringing him to Stainton Park.

Glendon was happy with the way new signings Josh Mitten and Robbie Whellans settled in against Ashton United, where Borough drew 3-3 last Saturday.

The Borough manager sees Saturday's Unibond Premier Division clash as vital to his team's hopes of making the new Conference Second Division North when the non-league pyramid is restructured next season.

He said: "As far as making the top 13 is concerned, six or seven clubs are already out of it and for the others that can make it there have been a lot of draws recently, so a win is priceless.

"We're aiming for nine wins from our remaining games to ensure we'll be playing in the new Conference North next season."

The Conference North will comprise the top 13 teams from each of the Unibond premier, Dr Martens premier and Ryman premier, in addition to the three relegated from the current National Conference and five others from Unibond, Dr Martens and Ryman premier playoffs and the champions of the three league's first divisions.