EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTHERN PREMIER DIVISION: Powell adds goal threat for Robins (From Wiltshire Times)

EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTHERN PREMIER DIVISION: Powell adds goal threat for Robins

4:30pm Friday 17th August 2012 in Sport By Dan Barnes

DARREN Perrin hopes that the signing of former Chippenham Town hotshot Lewis Powell can give his Frome Town side a much-needed boost to their firepower ahead of the new Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division season.

The Welsh striker missed most of last season with a broken leg and has linked up with the Robins after a move to Leamington fell through.

Perrin has already been impressed with Powell’s impact in his short time at Badgers Hill and said: “We’re always delighted to bring in good players and Lewis Powell falls into that category.

“He’s got nothing to prove to me or the football club because he’s a great player and he’s already shown his quality in the week he’s been here.

“Scoring goals is something that we’ve struggled to do enough of and that’s exactly what his game is, so hopefully he can help us in that way.”

Frome face a difficult start to their new campaign as they host last year’s beaten play-off finalists AFC Totton tomorrow and Perrin added: “You couldn’t ask for a tougher start but you’ve got to play everyone at some point – maybe we can catch them out early.

“We’re under no illusions as to how hard this season is going to be but we’ve got to try our best to not pick up that ‘second season syndrome’ that people always talk about.”

The Frome manager also lifted the lid on the remainder of his summer signings, with striker Nat Auckland and midfielder Jamie Lyons joining the Robins from Larkhall Athletic.

Utility man Dave Thompson has come in from Melksham Town while Shaun Benison and Ash Barnett could be set for moves in the opposite direction.

Defender Mark Cooper has stepped up to sign for Conference National outfit Newport County while winger Ben Thomson has moved from Frome to Larkhall.

The Robins will be without long-term absentee Jamie Cheeseman, Josh Brigham, who requires a hernia operation, and Mike Reaney, who twisted his ankle during pre-season against Totton.

Midfielder Mike Perrott could be set to feature as he continues his recovery from a broken hand.