Although pained at losing an effective striker, Seasiders boss Stuart Boardley is delighted for Sam Ford who last night completed his move to Arbroath FC.

Former West Ham youngster Ford made the switch to the Scottish Championship leaders until the end of the season, after impressing manager Dick Campbell during a week's trial at Gayfield Park last week.

Boardley hailed the 23-year-old's contribution since signing from Icelandic second division club Thróttur in December, and is delighted he has found his way back to a professional club.

"When Sam came to us we knew he still wanted to make the professional grade and that is something we supported," said Boardley.

"He has been on a couple of trials before but this one has worked out for him and it is brilliant for him.

"Hopefully he can go on to even bigger and better things but either way we retain great relationship with him and if it doesn't quite work out he will be back in the door."

Although there is no fee involved Boardley can see a benefit for the Seasiders in terms of helping recruitment.

He said: "It puts Felixstowe in a good light because it shows progression from our club into the pro ranks."

Ford, who has also had spells with FC Kosice in Slovakia, Port Melbourne Sharks in Australia after leaving West Ham in 2017, before returning to Felixstowe for a second time and Boardley knows he will be take some replacing.

"Sam has been great." added Boardley. "It has been difficult playing while knowing his long term future was not with the club but his application attitude has been first class and he has given us options at difficult time, especially with players like Zak Brown out injured.

"We are looking but it is a difficult market because we are in a position there are not many front players that would improve our team. If we didn't get anyone else it would not be the end of the world but it is an area we are looking at."

Lichties debut

Bounce back

Ford returned late Friday night to play for Felixstowe, and hit the bar, in their 3-2 defeat at Heybridge Swifts, which ended their six-game unbeaten run.

Boardley is looking for his side to bounce back at the Goldstar Ground tonight when they take on sixth placed Brentwood Town.

He said: It could not come much thought than Brentwood that are a team in form, they will finish in the top two or three.

"They are a big, physical, strong team so we could not have picked a much tougher side to get back in the groove with, but my players have always taken to tough challenges.

"We tend to play better against the top sides so we are really looking forward to it."

Felixstowe & Walton's Isthmian Leage North Division game against Brentwood Town at the Goldstar Ground kicks off at 7.45pm tonight - pay at the turnstile. [L]https://www.felixstowefootball.co.uk[L+]Seasiders' club website here.[L]