Moore to come from forward Kai

Newark & Sherwood United manager Tom Ward believes summer target Kai Moore can be the antidote to his side’s scoring woes after the striker swapped local-level football for a return to Step 5 and joined the Highwaymen from United Counties League Division One outfit Pinxton.

Ward has tracked the Derbyshire-born forward since his prolific spell with Sherwood Colliery two seasons ago and twice attempted to secure his signature, with Moore initially opting to stay close to home and play with friends. Travel concerns and a desire to “enjoy his football” delayed the move until Ward renewed his interest this month.

“He’s one I always thought was a good young player,” Ward explained. “He’s obviously grown up a bit—mid-20s now—physically strong, does the right things and I think he’s a goal threat. He’s a good all-round player who will fit a variety of roles and hopefully he’s one who can finally put the ball in the net more regularly for us.”

Moore’s debut arrived in daunting fashion as promotion-hunting Grantham Town left the YMCA Sports Village with a 3-0 win on Saturday. A contentious first-half penalty and two quick-fire strikes after the interval flattened the hosts, but Ward refused to lay blame at his new striker’s feet.

“We chucked him straight in at the deep end but ultimately he was playing against a very good side who are defensively very strong, so we didn’t see the absolute best of him,” the manager admitted. “I don’t think we saw the best of anyone.”

The defeat ended a plucky run that had seen Newark boast the league’s third-meanest defence prior to kick-off, underlining a season-long conundrum: resolute at the back, blunt up top. Ward’s men responded quickly, brushing aside Blackstones 2-0 on Tuesday night through a Luke White first-half double, and now travel to in-form AFC Mansfield on Saturday hoping Moore can help turn defensive stability into a regular supply of goals.

“They’re in really good form,” Ward said of Mansfield. “I think they’ll finish short of the play-offs but no doubt they’ll be looking to push on. We’re in every game we play; we’ve just got to get more goals at one end and keep our strong defensive record.”

With Moore eager to re-establish himself at Step 5 and Newark craving cutting edge, all parties are optimistic there is indeed more to come from the forward Kai.