Newmarket Town re-sign Josh Lee from Maldon & Tiptree in time for Mildenhall Town derby

A familiar face has returned to bolster the attacking ranks at Newmarket Town.

Fresh from leaving the Jockeys in November to link up with fellow Isthmian League North Division outfit Maldon & Tiptree, Josh Lee has rejoined the club in time to feature during tonight’s derby clash away at another of his former teams – Mildenhall Town (7.45pm).

When Lee departed for Maldon he was Newmarket’s leading scorer this term with nine goals and he remains top of the club’s standings – two clear of Ryan Cole, who recently turned professional with Wycombe Wanderers, and three ahead of Stan Leech.

Since leaving Newmarket, Lee found the back of the net once during his 11 appearances for the Jammers. But following a well-publicised takeover and the appointment of ex-Manchester City and West Ham United midfielder Kevin Horlock as manager, widespread changes are expected to take place at the Essex club – and Lee has opted to move on.

Speaking about the re-signing of Lee, Newmarket boss Michael Shinn said: “Obviously we’re delighted to have him back. When we thought there was a real chance to re-sign him it was something we were really keen on getting over the line.

“He was huge for us last season and I’ve no doubt he will be for the remainder of this season.”

Seventeenth-placed Newmarket, who are two points above the relegation zone, head into this evening’s encounter having suffered a 2-0 defeat to Brightlingsea Regent at the weekend – a result that ended a five-match unbeaten run of form that featured four victories.

Mildenhall, meanwhile, are 14th following Saturday’s 2-1 win on the road at Wroxham.