Mossley want Mason to be ‘Fawns’ for defenders

MOSSLEY have signed striker Mason Fawns in their pursuit to add more goals to the team.

The 22-year-old, who has played first-team football for Oldham Athletic, is the first piece in manager David Fish’s rebuilding jigsaw.

Fish also has three further forwards on trial, and he is also in pursuit of another target.

He explained: “We have Antony Brown who is a great foil to play off, Harry Pratt who also gives us a physical presence while Mason can drop deep and link play.

Mason Fawns signs

“What we are lacking is an old-fashioned fox in the box, a player who puts the ball in the net as none of the others are prolific goalscorers.”

The signing of Fawns and hunt for other forwards came in the wake of the loss of four front players.

Jes Uchegbulam’s rejected an offer to stay at Seel Park and joined Northern Premier League, premier division side Matlock Town while Fish released Ryan Shenton, Dylan Fitzgerald and Danny McLaughlin.

Fawns started his footballing career in the academy at Blackburn Rovers before joining the youth team at Oldham Athletic in 2016.

He went on to make his professional debut for Latics against Burton Albion in the EFL Cup and a first league appearance against Walsall in August 2017.

After leaving Latics, Fawns has played for Ashton United, Curzon Ashton, Altrincham, AFC Fylde and Ramsbottom.

He is no stranger to Lilywhites’ supporters having lined up against them twice for Ramsbottom United, most recently scoring the equalising goal in last season’s FA Cup tie at Seel Park which Mossley.

Fish said: “Last season we didn’t create and convert as many chances as I’d like, so we’ve been looking at players who can change that. Mason is a confident player, good on the ball and wants to make things happen.

“Whilst he’s still young, he has experience of this league and higher levels, which adds to our group of players.

Anthony Brown re-signs

“He’s already talked about how much he enjoyed the atmosphere in the FA Cup last season and he’s looking forward to playing in a rocking Seel Park.”

Mossley have also signed goalkeeper Dale Latham, 29, who has captained Glossop North End for the last two seasons and has worked previously with Fish and his assistant Lee Ashworth.

The Heywood-based goalkeeper boasts an impressive footballing CV having spent time at Chadderton, Droylsden, Winsford, Atherton Collieries and Glossop.

He was part of the Atherton Collieries squad that won Northern Premier League, division one west in 2018-19.

Latham said: “I’m delighted to join such a fantastic club like Mossley. Having worked with David and Lee previously, I know what fantastic coaches they are and the exciting football their teams look to play.

“We’ve always kept in touch, so once the opportunity to sign on the table it was a straightforward decision to make.

“I’m no stranger to Seel Park, having watched my cousin Adam Latham here a few years ago.

However, this time I’m looking forward to being out there, in front of the returning fans, playing my part in what is hopefully going to be a successful period for the club.”

And Latham’s arrival as first-choice goalkeeper has resulted in Liam Lovell moving on to get regular football.

Brown and midfielder Kane Hickman have agreed deals to stay at Seel Park.

Brown arrived at Seel Park from Silsden in October and made three appearances scoring one goal before the season was abandoned.

He also featured in several recent friendlies, scoring twice.

Hickman joined the Lilywhites last season having previously played for Droylsden and Glossop North End.

Following a string of impressive performances, the Droylsden-based midfielder quickly became a favourite before the season was curtailed.

Fawns and Latham are joined by Callum Charlton whose signing was reported in last month’s Correspondent.

Left-sided Charlton, 24, a former professional at Huddersfield Town, last played at Emley in the North West Counties League.

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