Newport Bag A Marvel As Ekpiteta Leaves Crusaders

The 23-year-old has signed a deal with League Two side Newport County after a fine season at Bulpit Lane.

It was a fine season for the Crusaders' captain and he admits he's glad it hasn't gone unnoticed.

"I'm buzzing to get started. I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead and I can't wait for pre-season," he told his new club's website.

“I see myself as a leader, I love defending and I try and get on the ball as much as possible. I join the club fresh from Hungerford Town where I have enjoyed my best season. I'm so happy now that I have been rewarded with a chance to play in the EFL."

Ekpiteta becomes the first-ever Hungerford Town player to make the move from the club to full-time football, something that surprised boss Ian Herring.

“I don’t know why it is, but for some reason Hungerford have yet to have a player who had properly progressed.

“I am passionate about helping players progress, I think by helping them do that the club will really benefit.

“Of course we want to keep our best players but that’s a big part of the game.”