SOUTHPORT have swooped for Burscough’s Dave Roberts.

The Linnets’ captain was expected to complete his move to the Conference side last night.

Port manager Liam Watson placed seven days’ notice - the official approach for non-contracted players - last week and has been able to hold talks with the highly-rated midfielder.

“I brought Dave into non-league and have a lot of time for him,” said Watson.

“I think he may have lost of way a little bit since I last managed him.

“Dave is someone, if he gets his fitness back to the right levels, then he has a good chance of performing in the Conference.”

New Burscough boss Chris Stammer has managed to strengthen their squad in recent days with the acquisition of defender Andy Barlow.

Barlow played in Tuesday night’s 4-2 win at Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Elsewhere, neighbours Skelmersdale United host Northwich Victoria in the Evo-Stik League Challenge Cup tonight - but manager Tommy Lawson is not happy.

Lawson has fumed at the scheduling of the quarter-final, just two days before the visit of league leaders Chester.

“I don’t think it is fair what they have done with the Northwich Victoria game,” said Lawson.

“It is bang out of order in my opinion. We want to take this competition seriously because it is a prestigious competition. But they put it on a Thursday night against a side running for promotion in the Premier Division against us, a side doing the same in the First.

“Normally this is a game I would really relish.

“The league could’ve been much more sympathetic.”