Northern League: Boldon CA joint-boss praise summer signing ahead of RCA test

Boldon CA joint-manager Chris Spence has praised the impact made by summer signing Liam Thear during the early months of his time with the Northern League Division Two promotion contenders.

There was some surprise when the former Dunston UTS stalwart swapped life in the Northern Premier League East Division for a move into the Northern League’s second tier -but the move has paid off as Thear has found form and fitness over the last three months.

The versatile forward is already in double figures for goals and he will hope to add to his tally when his side host Sunderland RCA at The Villa on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking about Thear’s move, Spence told The Gazette: “It’s his experience that has shown through. Liam had a few years with injuries and he didn’t get the game-time a player like him needs because he was battling back. That was part of the conversations we had with him about stepping down to Northern League level and getting him enjoying his football and playing regularly.

“I think it’s his longest run of games in a couple of years and he’s enjoying it. You can see he’s played at a higher level and he’s hit the ground running but it’s about managing his minutes to make sure he stays fit. He never wants to come off, that’s the problem - but he’s been brilliant for us so far.”

Boldon will be without midfielder Jordan Laidler as he serves the first game of a four-match ban.

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