Macclesfield extend their claim for the best squad depth in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division, by signing their FOURTH goalkeeper.

Sam Ashton, who started his career with Sam Allardyce's Bolton Wanderers, has had an experienced non-league career in the divisions currently above Macclesfield in the football pyramid.

The Bolton-born keeper even had one goal to his name, scoring for FC United of Manchester from 107 yards in 2011 In a YouTube video, which can be viewed above, that has almost a million views.

The 34-year-old first got regular football in 2006, where he made the move to FC United of Manchester.

He's since been registered to seven further clubs, with Macc being his tenth club to sign for.

The club said in a statement: "Macclesfield FC are delighted to announce the signing of 34-year-old goalkeeper Sam Ashton, who has joined the Club until the end of the 2021/22 campaign."

"Making almost two-hundred appearances for The Red Rebels, Sam became renowned as a commanding 'keeper and an agile shot-stopper.

"Sam then signed for Skelmersdale United in 2011 and completed a dual registration agreement with Southport the following March.

"In May 2013 Ashton joined Northern Premier League side Chorley and was part of The Magpies team that gained promotion to the Conference North twelve months later.

"Since then, Sam has signed for Ramsbottom United and Lancaster City, before joining Radcliffe on a free transfer at the start of the current season."

He is the fourth goalkeeper in Macc's squad of 28. But is expected to be at least third in the pecking order, ahead of goalkeeping coach Steve Hodgson (40).

Sam is the joint-fifth oldest player for the Silks, tied with new striker Scott McGowan.

He could make his debut this weekend - if Macclesfield decide to rest their number one keeper Ben Pierce (22).

The Silkmen are playing against against the weakest side in the NWCFL, Litherland REMYCA.

The Merseyside club sacked their manager this week, after a winless start.

Litherland, who will make the 47-mile trip to the Leasing.com Stadium, expressed their excitement to play our town's new football club on Twitter.

"Who would have thought just over 5 years ago we would be playing away in a league fixture to Macclesfield," they said.

Macc, who have two games in hand over their next opponents, can extend their lead at the top to six points with a win over The REMY.

It will follows their 1-0 win at home to Vauxhall Motors on Tuesday. A late winner from Tom Clare was all that separated the two sides.

New signing Neil Danns made his debut in midfield against the club from Ellesmere Port.

You can follow Macc's latest player on Twitter here.

See also: Macclesfield: Tytherington Juniors FC score defibrillator to save young athlete's lives.

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