It has been all change for the goalkeepers of Ryman League division one north local rivals Witham Town and Heybridge Swifts.

Having seen Danny Sambridge sign for Heybridge after leaving Witham last month, the keeper who Sambridge replaced at Scraley Road – Nicky Eyre – has now joined Town.

Eyre is suspended for Witham’s game at Erith and Belvedere, ironically the team Heybridge hammered 7-0 last night, on Sunday but will henbe available for selection and assistant manager Brad King has explained that it was a signing they couldn’t miss.

King told the club’s website: “Having played in goal myself, for me he is one of the, if not the, best goalkeepers in the league.

“(manager) Garry (Kimble), (assistant manager) John (Ray) and myself named him in our Ryman team of the season last season so it was ironic when he contacted us saying he had parted ways with Heybridge.

“What impressed us most was that he was keen to play for us, contacted us having moved down the road and believes in what we are trying to do.

“He could have moved elsewhere for other reasons but he knows of Garry and myself and was keen to work together after seeing what the club achieved last season, pipping his former club to the play-offs.

“It was important the club signed another long-term goalkeeper and I believe the club are fortunate to have two top keepers in Nicky and Guesty (Martyn Guest).”

Guest is currently returning from injury and since Sambridge was released, Sam Baxter has played on loan for Witham from West Ham.

King added: “Sam has performed well in the last two games but it’s important the club look long-term and we couldn’t miss the opportunity to sign Nicky.”