KENDAL Town boss Lee Ashworth has forged what he hopes will be a fruitful link with Football League club Rochdale AFC, writes Richard Daniels.

Ashworth clinched a deal this week to bring up-and-coming 19-year-old central defender Nathan Woods to the club ahead of Saturday's home match with Burscough.

Ashworth knows Rochdale boss Keith Hill and assistant Dave Flitcroft from his time on the professional circuit and the Spotland team have agreed for Woods to join Town until the end of the season.

Ashworth said: "Nathan is a scholar at Rochdale and has been awarded a professional contract for next season.

"I know Rochdale rate him highly and he's going to be part of their plans for next season.

"Three or four other clubs wanted him but because Keith (Hill) knows me and let me have him.

"He's a strong, physical boy who tackles well and is good in the air and he will not let us down.

"If we're impressed, I've been told that there are three or four others that I'll possibly be able to have on loan next season."

Ashcroft said last week he had finished making signings but explained: "When good players come along you take them."

Meanwhile, Ashcroft is targeting home points with Burscough's visit one of three home matches in the next four fixtures. After a trip to table-toppers Telford on Saturday week, there are visit from Leek Town and Frickley Athletic - both in the bottom half of the table.

"We need to achieve safety as quick as possible and not wait for the last month of the season, so this is a key period.

Keeper Rick Whiteside misses his second game running. He has recovered from a training injury, but is at a family funeral in Norway, so Mark Thornley deputises.

Ashworth is otherwise able to select from a full-strength squad.