Leon Gutzmore, the striker whose 51 goals carried Billericay Town into the top flight of the Ryman League, has played his last game for the New Lodge club.

On an evening of frenzied activity on the non-league scene, Gutzmore, 22, was transferred to Billericay's hugely-supported Premier Division rivals Aldershot Town on Wednesday night for an undisclosed but "substantial" fee.

In return, John Kendall's men have obtained the services of Shots front-runner Joe Nartey, who attracted the attention of Premiership clubs West Ham and Charlton Athletic earlier in the campaign, initially on a one-month loan.

After his fabulous 1997/98 campaign, Gutzmore expressed a desire to play at a higher level, but, despite training at Roots Hall throughout the pre-season, was not signed by Southend United.

Back at New Lodge this season, Gutzmore has failed to reproduce his form of last term, despite scoring seven goals, and has been very much overshadowed by new sensation David Adekola.

It's been a similar story for former Chertsey Town star Nartey at Shots. After signing from the Surrey club for £6,000, his form has suffered badly in recent months while playing second fiddle to Garry Abbott up front.

Both sides have agreed not to disclose the cash sum involved as Billericay fear that it could lead to them being asked for inflated fees when they attempt to sign new players to maintain their challenge for honours.

Said Billericay boss Kendall: "This is a perfect solution for both sides. Leon badly needed a fresh challenge and Nartey should provide an ideal partner for us alongside Adekola.

"Nartey, at the moment, is with us on a one month loan at the end of which we should be close to having our other recent striker signing, Lenny Dennis, fit again. When the month is up we'll take a look at the situation again and take things from there.

"We'll certainly be looking to use some of the cash obtained from Leon's sale to bring further established players to the club, but some ridiculous fees, and wage demands, are being made at this level of the game and it would serve no purpose for us to disclose the cash involved.

"Obviously everyone here at New Lodge wishes Leon all the best for the future. His efforts over the past three years for Billericay Town have been superb and there's no doubt he was a major factor in us winning back a place in the top flight after a 12-year break."

Both players are certain to make their debuts on New Year's Day with Billericay hosting Bromley and Shots at home to Dulwich.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.