BOWERS & Pitsea have signed former Basildon United midfielder Danny Norton.

Norton left the Bees earlier this month and is now set to ply his trade in the third tier of non-league football for the first time in his career.

And Bowers boss Rob Small is pleased to have welcomed Norton to the Len Salmon Stadium ahead of tomorrow’s Isthmian Premier League home clash with Hornchurch.

“Danny has come in and he is someone who we liked when he was at Witham Town last season,” said Small.

“He enjoyed a good start to the campaign with Basildon and he also worked with Gary Henty, who is our first team coach, at Tilbury. Because of that, we know what we are getting.

“It is a good culture fit for us and he is the type of person we wanted to bring in.

“Danny is untested at this level but he will bring an extra body to the squad and he will give his all.

“He has a good work ethic and intensity about his game.”

Norton is expected to make his debut when Hornchurch, who sit two points adrift of the play-off places, visit the Len Salmon Stadium this weekend.

The two sides have been involved in some exciting fixtures in recent years, with the duo vying for the Isthmian North title in 2018.

Although Hornchurch beat Bowers to the crown, Small’s side were crowned champions 12 months later.

And Small is looking forward to another eye-catching encounter.

“It has been good battling with Hornchurch over the last couple of years,” added Small.

“If we reflect on all of the games with them over the years, our record comes out favourably.

“But they are a different team now and they are one of the better sides in our division because of their strength in depth.

“They have physical players who can do everything but they are in a different period to us.

“Hornchurch went through their transition period, after promotion, last year. We are one year behind them in that respect.”