Harris: Weston AFC goalkeeper recalled by Cheltenham Town

The 23-year-old shot stopper has made a fantastic impression at BS24 and was on a season-long loan before his recall by the Robins and has been loaned out to Bath City.

Harris made his last appearance for the Seagulls in their 1-0 win against Plymouth Parkway in front of their biggest crowd of the season so far at The Optima Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday.

His departure leaves Weston with only one recognised goalkeeper in the form of Luke Purnell, who will be in contention to start tomorrow’s Southern Premier South game at Harrow Borough. 

Altogether Harris played in 57 matches for Weston keeping 23 clean sheets and conceded 54 goals.

Player/assister manager Scott Laird posted on Twitter: Thank you @max_harris_ we were lucky to have you and hopefully help in your early path as a GK. Someone destined for the football league. 

He added: “What we are as a club though is so fortunate to have @lukepurnell club legend and unreal GK. He can kick it miles the boy.”

Goalkeeping coach Steve Laker said: “Been a pleasure to have @max_harris_ with us over the past 12 months. Top keeper, wish him all the best at @BathCity_FC.”

Harris began his career with Hereford in 2016 and spent time with Lydney Town on loan before moving to Oxford United on a two-year scholarship in 2017.

More loan spells followed at AFC Totton and Oxford City before he joined Cheltenham in 2020.

Harris was loaned out again to Cinderford Town and Redditch United before linking up with Weston for his first spell in October 2021.

He helped the the Seagulls reach the play-offs and kept 12 clean sheets, conceding 31 goals from 33 games.

He re-joined Weston last July and would go on to keep another 11 clean sheets, conceding 23 goals from 24 matches. 

Harris helped Weston to top of Pitching In Southern League Premier South with 53 points from 21 games, three more than Truro City, who have a game in hand, and hold the league’s lowest goals conceded with 14.