WISBECH Town boss Steve Appleby has backed new signing Simon Mowbray to form a lethal partnership with chief marksman Chris Bacon.

Striker Mowbray, who agreed to sign for the Fenmen this week, scored 18 goals for Spalding United before joining their UCL rivals Blackstones last season. He has also played for Dereham Town, Stamford and Holbeach United.

Appleby said the 24-year-old could be the perfect partner for Bacon, who topped the Fenmen’s scoring charts with 32 goals in the last campaign.

“He’s one I thought I would chance my arm on as soon as the season finished,” he said.

“He will take a bit of the weight off Chris’ shoulders and he should be a good partner for him.

“I think it’s a big boost. I said that I’m only going to sign two or three but they have got to be of high quality. Simon fits into that category.”

The signing ends any possibility of a Fenmen return for Nick Davey and Appleby admitted that the striker, who went on loan to Yaxley last season, was not in his plans.

The Wisbech boss also revealed he was on the lookout for a goalkeeper and a midfielder.

“There are a few irons in the fire,” he said. “I’ve asked two or three people certain questions and some people want a bit of time to think about things.

“I think we’ve got a good side anyway and I think we had a lot of things go against us last season. I’m praying that will change.”

The Eastern Counties League, now known as the Thurlow Nunn League, will kick-off on August 4.

Its make-up will be largely the same after the FA scrapped plans to reorganise Step Five football - reducing the number of leagues from 14 to 12.

The proposed changes, which would have led to an increase in travelling for some clubs, were deemed “unworkable” by the FA’s review group.