Newark & Sherwood sign goalkeeper Ollie Cash after Ross Woolley’s departure due to work commitments

Newark & Sherwood have moved quickly to sign a new goalkeeper following Ross Woolley’s departure.

Woolley made his final appearance as the Highwaymen beat United Counties Premier Division North high-fliers Lincoln United 3-2 at home on Saturday. He’s leaving after accepting a job in London.

His replacement, Ollie Cash, was in the crowd for the Lincoln game, and is set to make his debut when Newark host Clay Cross in the League Cup this Saturday (3pm).

Cash, who is at university in the Midlands, previously played down south with Isthmian League club East Grinstead.

“He’d signed for Kimberley but we were offered him before we knew about Ross leaving,” said manager Romaine Graham.

“He’s at university at the minute and he played Step 4 with East Grinstead last season. He also had a trial at AFC Wimbledon, so he comes with a good CV. He’s 6ft5in or 6ft6in, so he’s a good stature and a good presence.

“He’s probably licking his lips because the two goals we conceded on Saturday, Ross, bless him, didn’t cover himself in glory. One went straight in from a corner.

“I expect this guy to be cleaning up everything.”

Woolley, who chalked up his 100th appearance this season, will be missed at Newark & Sherwood.

Vice-captain to Jamie Goddard, he’s been an excellent servant and a popular character around the club.

The club have retained his registration, although travelling back for games was never a serious option for Graham.

“Ross will be a difficult person to replace,” said the manager.

“He was a big character in the dressing room and that’s one thing we will miss. He’s just the ultimate pro and that’s why I made him part of the leadership group as vice-skip.

“I don’t think he’s going to be playing for anyone down there.

“It depends how much time he has available.

“I think he’d have been willing to come up here to play on a Saturday but I’m the type of person who needs lads to be all-in.

“If you can’t commit every week and can’t commit to training, as much as I love Ross and all the other players, it isn’t going to work. That’s the minimum for me if you want to be successful and serious and I think he knew that.

“He wouldn’t have been able to do midweek matches or train.

“He’s still signed on but you need your goalkeeper to be there and available every week to build relationships with the rest of the team.”

A frantic start saw Newark & Sherwood lead Lincoln 2-1 after 15 minutes, Kameron Campbell with both goals.

The visitors levelled before half-time but top scorer Kieran Cummings scored the winner for the ninth-placed Highwaymen while Lincoln remain second.

“It was a very good result,” said Graham. “I had a look at how they set up and once I could see how they played, we set a plan for how we could score against them.

“We knew they were going to come on to us but as long as we defended well, I always thought we’d be able to create chances and catch them on the break.

“They’re up there and tipped to win the league but I fancy us to beat anyone at home. We have to be slightly more measured against better opposition but I still think we carried a threat.

“I’m pleased for Kam to get a brace and have a big impact.

“He’s been carrying an injury and not really hit the heights we thought he would at the minute but he’s still working hard and he took his chances well.”

The Highwaymen visit West Bridgford in the Notts Senior Cup on Wednesday (7.45pm).