Scoring 28 goals in 61 appearances during an eighteen month spell at Sandy Lane, Hardy has always caught the eye of opposition supporters with his eye for goal. Having also spent time at Hyde United and Grantham Town, the striker is perhaps most renowned for his time at Buxton, where he won the Golden Boot in 2017/18 and consistently featured in the top ten goal scorers in the division. Now in his prime, Liam is ready for another crack at the league, having parted company with Shirebrook at the weekend, following their victory over Brigg Town in the NCEL. Hardy on the scoresheet, netting a penalty in the 2-1 win away from home. On signing Hardy explained:
"I am delighted to have signed and really looking forward to playing back in the league. I had a lot of good clubs contact me, but it was a no brainer to play at the standard again. I know a couple of the lads, and the ground and facilities are brilliant."
Boasting substantial experience across a nineteen year playing career, Hardy will provide the experience and know how, particularly in the final third, that will see the Holy Blues firing on all cylinders. Liam is set to provide an experienced foil for youngster Jack Goodman, on loan from Doncaster Rovers, and in the absence of Dayle Southwell. Also with the suspension of Javelle Clarke following his harsh sending off against Ilkeston last 
Tuesday night, the addition of Hardy gives a fresh boost as the Blues go in search of victory number one of the 2023/24 campaigns.
Liam Hardy goes straight into Neal Bishop’s squad for the game against Guiseley on Tuesday evening (7.45pm kick off on the Northolme), and he doesn’t have long to wait until he comes up against former club Worksop Town on Bank Holiday Monday. If you haven’t already made plans for Tuesday, make sure to get yourselves along to the game, as boss Bishop implores his side to take off the handbrake and believe. The Trinity manager believes his young side have the quality, and now with the added experience, maybe just maybe, it will provide that missing ingredient!
Elsewhere
With Bradford Park Avenue and Morpeth Town playing out their game on Monday night at the Horsfasll Stadium, it isn’t quite a full fixture schedule in the Pitching In Northern Premier League on Tuesday night. Tasty fixtures, other than at the Northolme, see FC United of Manchester host current table-toppers and free-scoring Ilkeston Town, whilst another of the 100and club, Radcliffe make the enormous Tuesday night journey to Workington AFC! At home, Workington dismantled Ashton United 5-0 on opening day, before losing 3-0 away at Morpeth and 6-1 at Ilkeston.
It is clear to see that making predictions at this stage of the season is nothing short of impossible. In full:
Basford United vs Stafford Rangers
FC United of Manchester vs Ilkeston Town
Hyde United vs Marine
Lancaster City vs Macclesfield
Markse United vs Bamber Bridge
Matlock Town vs Atherton Collieries
Warrington Rylands vs Ashton United
Whitby Town vs Worksop Town
Workington vs Radcliffe
Commentary
Unable to make the game tomorrow evening? Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media) would love for you to join him as he talks you through the action, from twenty to eight. Sign up to Mixlr (it’s free) and get the notification when Rob hits the airwaves! To anyone making the trip to the Northolme, safe travels and see you all there, kick off at 7.45pm. It will be great to see you all.
Article by Rob Hughes (AATM Media)
Photo credit Lewis Pickersgill (Worksop Town Official Photographer)