Hemsworth replace Guest with Kelsey

Hemsworth Miners Welfare have lost star striker Nick Guest, but have managed to lure Shane Kelsey to replace him.

Guest is leaving the MDC Stadium to move further up the pyramid after a magnificent campaign in which he played a key role in Hemsworth’s record third place finish in the Toolstation NCEL Division One table.

But, Hemsworth chief Wayne Benn has reacted quickly by persuading experienced forward Kelsey to join his club.

Kelsey became a free agent after leaving Shaw Lane Aquaforce where he hit 20 goals as Craig Elliott’s men won the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division title.

“I’m absolutely thrilled as it is a massive coup,” Benn told Non League Yorkshire.

“As a club to sign someone like Shane Kelsey, it speaks volumes for the strides the club is making.

“He believes in the project we have going and is excited to come on board.

“We are disappointed to lose Nick, but I’m thrilled to sign a more than adequate replacement.

“Shane has scored goals wherever he has gone and I’m sure he will next season.”

Guest, who is expected to sign for his new club in the coming days, struck 38 times during a glorious season – including a goal in the demolition of AFC Emley on GroundHop weekend in April.

He also captained the side on a number of occasions.

Benn added: “He has been rewarded for his performances.

“We knew last pre-season that we were going to lose him.

“We sat down with him and asked him to give us 12 months as we felt it would benefit him as he would be playing week-in-week-out and scoring goals.

“He had a lot of interest during the season, but he stayed to the end of the 12 months.

“His phone has been red hot since the season ended and it has been a case of me trying to guide him.”

Also leaving Hemsworth is Sam Colbear, who is expected to re-sign for Goole AFC in the Evo Stik Division One South.

Benn also confirmed that he is confident that he can keep the rest of his record-breaking side together.