Spennymoor Town have handed a contract to youth team product Richie Archer.

Moors manager Jason Ainsley said: "I am delighted Richard has signed a contract and I believe he will be a great acquisition for the club.

"The dedication and hard work he has put in over the past 12 months has paid off for him and he has a bright future with Spennymoor Town Football Club. He is a local lad that has come through our ranks and gives the whole academy a big lift as it proves the club have a system that is working.

"Last season Richie won the player of the year award and captained the reserve team, however what’s pleased me most about Richie is his desire to do succeed and wear the Spennymoor shirt.

"I kept a close eye on him last year and after speaking regularly to both Carl and Paul I involved him with the 1st team towards the latter stages of last season. Unfortunately due to an injury and work commitments we didn’t get to see him play in the team.

"Through-out pre season Richie has done very well and thoroughly deserves his contract, It’s now up to Richie to force his way into the team and I hope he is the first of many to come through the ranks which is now starting to bear fruit."

Ainsley, meanwhile has placed goalkeeper Kyle Hayes on the transfer list. Also available to leave the club is Dan Taylor and Andrew Johnson.

Spennymoor are at home in the league tomorrow to big-spending Salford City, while Darlington are at Droylsden.