JULY ended with midfielder Cieran Bridger joining Bovey Tracey AFC from Buckland Athletic and now, a month later, a second player has followed in his footsteps.

The versatile Owen Stockton is yet another impressive pick-up by Bovey as they look to mount a SW Peninsula League title charge under the stewardship of Ben Gerring.

Along with the club announcement on social media, Gerring spoke about the arrival of Stockton: “Signing Owen is a massive coup for Bovey Tracey.

“We have been actively in the market for an experienced central defender that can dominate in first contacts and we have truly found the man for the job in Stocko. It speaks volumes that we are able to attract a player of Bridger & Owen’s calibre.

“Another player that can see the journey we are on as a club and wants to help take us to our targets. We welcome Stocko to Bovey!”

Stockton arrived at Homers Heath from Ivybridge Town last year, making 12 Western League appearances in that second half of the campaign for Buckland. Five of these were starts as he remained a squad player for Dan Hart.

This summer, Hart was replaced at the helm by Matt Cusack and to Stockton’s benefit, it would seem. He has started five of the eight competitive games thus far, coming off the bench in two others.

Being a regular presence under the former Helston Athletic boss makes Stockton’s departure something of a surprise but it of course is a great opportunity for Bovey, taking on a versatile defensive player.

Jordan Thomas is another of the defensive additions made by Gerring and co and he has proved to be a presence in both boxes already, heading home in back-to-back games whilst also remaining solid at the back. Adding Stockton to a group that boasts Thomas, along with the experience of Cliff Walters and Callum Thomas to name a couple, can only bode well for the Moorlanders.

A win tomorrow at Mill Marsh Park against current league leaders Torrington AFC could see Bovey replace them at the summit- it remains to be seen if Stockton will be involved straightaway or not.