City have added strength to their goalkeeping department with the signing of 24-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur and Bishop’s Stortford custodian Nicky Eyre, who will keep current Number One Ashley Harrison company between the sticks at Melbourne.

The respected ‘keeper has been without a club since departing Stortford recently and has linked-up with City to add strength in depth and bolster the Clarets’ chances of securing a play-off place, ultimately aiming towards a place in the Blue Square Premier. Eyre spent three years professionally as a youngster at White Hart Lane before moving on to Grays Athletic, Rushden & Diamonds and Dagenham & Redbridge.

He returned to The New Recreation Ground with Grays in 2008 following a brief spell with St Alban’s City but was most recently at Bishop’s Stortford this season, where he appeared against Glenn Pennyfather’s team in a 1-0 City win at Woodside Park. He also has England Under 17s, Schoolboy and C Team international honours to his name and was once the understudy to Paul Robinson in Spurs’ First Team squad.

Representative Team News: Congratulations to City quintet Ryan Batchford, Pearce Clark, Ross Lamb, Joe Mayer and Andy Elgar who were recently on show as the Essex Under 18s Rep Team won 3-2 against Hertfordshire at Burnham Ramblers FC. Ryan and Ross netted a goal apiece as Caretaker boss Ian Bent had a perfect start to his spell in caretaker charge of the County’s finest. In an entertaining affair at Leslie Field, the home manager claimed: “It gives us something to build on for next season.”

City Ladies star Claire Pavett was also involved for County’s Women’s Team on Thursday 11th March at Heybridge Swifts FC though as Essex blew their second chance to secure the East Anglian Championship when Suffolk grabbed a 2-1 victory over Kim Coster’s side. A goal six minutes from time broke their hearts but Coster remained upbeat and said: “We all really want to win this competition and hopefully we can have another go next year. The girls’ commitment and attitude has been brilliant all season.”

49 Club - Last Week’s Winners: City’s 49 Club winners for the National Lottery Bonus Ball Draw which took place on Saturday 20th March were Martin Bissett and Grenville Brewer who celebrated as number 26 ball dropped from the machine. Martin wins every week, but generously donates his winnings to the club! Details on how to join the 49 Club can be found in the 'Clarets' section.