Saints signings spur title chase

Andy Cale insists The New Saints can still win the Welsh Premier title.

The New Saints have sharpened their chase for the Welsh Premier League by making two new signings.

Former Northern Ireland Under-21 midfielder Conall Murtagh, 23, has arrived from Wrexham.

And Saints have also brought in Hyde United's former Saint Kitts and Nevis Under-20 striker Matt Berkeley, 21.

"I will only sign players who improve the side, rather than make signings for the sake of it," Saints boss Andy Cale told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"There's still a long way to go in the league, and I still believe we can catch the two teams above us."

Saints currently lie third, level on points with second-placed Llanelli (although having played two games more) and three points behind leaders Rhyl.

Murtagh, who started his career at Hearts and also played north of the border on loan at Raith Rovers, spent two months on loan this time last season at Droylsden. He has been sidelined at Wrexham since Dean Saunders took charge in October.

Berkeley, who started in Scotland too with Gretna, had reportedly also attracted interest from League Two Bury.

Meanwhile, defender Michael Taylor has left the Saints to join Blue Square North Fleetwood.

The former Blackburn Rovers trainee, who played in the Football League for Rochdale and Cheltenham, made 43 Welsh Premier League starts for The New Saints in his 18 months at the club.