CHESTER have made their first signing of the summer.

Making the move to the Deva Stadium from National League North rivals Spennymoor Town is Ben Pollock.

The central defender has penned a one-year-deal with Chester following a strong season with the Moors in the league.

After moving from Boston United, he made 39 appearances last season, scoring three times.

He also counts Hereford as one of his former clubs and Blues’ boss Calum McIntyre told the club’s website: “Ben is someone that we think a lot of and have come close to signing over the previous two seasons.

“His data from last season speaks for itself and it is clear we are signing one of the highest performing defenders in the division last season. He dominates aerially, has real experience at the level and is really hungry to progress further.

“This is the type of recruitment we are looking at over the summer. We have been really clear around the profile of player we want. We want to add a more physical dynamic to the group across the pitch that can really meet the demands of this league. We want to add proven players at the level who share a real purpose in being with us.

“We are clear that we want to increase the age and experience of the squad and this type of signing reflects those targets of players aged 25-30 who have played significant amount of games at the right level as well as having proven they are available to perform as often as possible.”

Gateshead won the FA Trophy for the first time in their history following a sudden-death penalty shoot-out victory over Solihull Moors at Wembley.

Former Wrexham striker Mark Beck scored twice as the tie finished 2-2 but for the second time in six days, Solihull – denied a place in the English Football League after losing on penalties to Bromley – lost another Wembley shoot-out.