The 21 year old Goalkeeper comes from the same stable as Louis Jones, who kept a clean sheet, on debut, away at Nuneaton under Dave Frecklington. Bottomley will be hoping for a similar debut away at Hyde this evening. The last line of defence has so far proven to be a difficult position to fill on a consistent basis. By the end of the game against Hyde, the Blues will have played eighteen games, with five different players having donned the gloves.

On a long term loan from Premier League side Sheffield United, Dylan Wharton started the season, appearing eleven times in total. He kept two clean sheets in his first four games. Injury ruled Wharton out following the 4-1 victory over Atherton Collieries at the Kal Group Stadium, and the arrival for one game, of Callum Yam. Also from the Blades, Yam made a solitary appearance away at Basford.

Luke Jackson joined shortly afterwards from the other Steel City side, Sheffield Wednesday, going on to make nine appearances in total. Eight in the league, keeping one clean sheet, before he was forced off with a hamstring injury away at Marske, outfield player and Gainsborough lad, Lewis Butroid taking the gloves to see out the final twenty minutes, in the North East.

Boss, Russ Wilcox was quick to express his gratitude to Doncaster Rovers, one of his former clubs as a player, for their support in getting the deal done in time for him to make his bow away at Hyde on Tuesday evening. Ben will take his place in the matchday squad, pending EFL approval which is expected imminently.

Article by Rob Hughes (AATM_Media)
Photos courtesy of Doncaster Rovers