Manager Matt Clements is backing new number one Jake Jessup to be a big St Neots Town hit.
The giant goalkeeper, who stands 6ft 5ins tall, helped Saints to a first victory of 2018 when making his debut for the club last Saturday in a 3-2 triumph at struggling Dunstable Town in the Southern League Premier Division.
Jessup was snapped up on a dual registration deal from National League South side Chelmsford City and filled the void left by the departure of previous number one Mike Emery. Jessup has previously played for Lowestoft Town among others.
The exit of Emery – put down to travelling issues from his Lincolnshire base and undisclosed personal reasons - was confirmed by the club on Sunday after he played no part in the trip to Dunstable. Emery made 34 appearances for Saints after joining last summer.
Clements said: “Mike has been finding it tough recently due to the amount of travelling involved and personal reasons which will stay between him and myself.
“He has full permission from me to train with or join a club closer to his home. It’s important that we thank Mike for his attitude and performances while with us.
“I already knew about Jake’s ability first-hand, but have also had my opinion of him confirmed by others I trust in the game.
“Jake had a very good debut at Dunstable. He dominated his area well and was positive with the information he gave to his back four. His kicking is also huge weapon and led to our first goal.”
Jessup was beaten twice during his debut, but Saints snatched victory at Dunstable in dramatic style as substitute Kyran Wiltshire pounced in the dying seconds.
It snapped a run of five matches without a win for Clements’ men who entertain Chesham at the Premier Plus Stadium this Saturday, 3pm.
That is followed by a Hunts Senior Cup semi-final trip to local rivals St Ives Town on Tuesday (February 6). The two teams battled out a 1-1 draw in the Southern League Premier Division recently when Saints shared the spoils despite being reduced to 10 men for almost three-quarters of the game.
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