A YOUNG Herefordshire footballer has been snapped up by Nationwide Conference South club Newport County.

Matthew Morris has recently been playing for Wellington but was due to make his debut for the Welsh side in a Gwent Cup quarter-final tie with Tillery last night (Wednesday) with a view to making his Conference debut on Saturday at Hornchurch.

Central defender Morris took up a four-year scholarship in the USA at Liberty University, Virginia in 2001 but returned home early at Christmas 2003.

"I found it a bit of a culture shock although I enjoyed the football side," he said. "When I returned home, I was determined to continue with my football and now, after playing for Wellington, I have a chance with Newport County."

Morris began his career with Westfields, working his way up from the youth team to command a first-team spot before leaving for the States. He also represented Herefordshire Schools and under-18 youth teams.

l LUCAS Eversham fired in his fifth hat-trick of the season as JD's kept up the pressure at the top of the Jewson Herefordshire Sunday League Division 2 with a 7-1 win over Broadleys.

Will Hirons scored twice and the other goals came from Craig Lewis and Dan Wilton.