ROB Hopley is back in a Winsford United shirt – and he celebrated by helping them progress in the FA Vase on Saturday.

The veteran frontman returns to Barton Stadium in a dual-registration agreement with neighbours Witton Albion as he rebuilds his fitness following a catastrophic knee injury that saw him miss the entirety of last season.

Hopley, who helped Blues to promotion to the North West Counties League’s top flight in 2006, came off the bench to round off the scoring in a 4-1 win over Alsager Town on Saturday.

That result means Lee Duckworth’s side progress to the second qualifying round of the FA Vase and a home tie against either Boldmere St Michaels or Brocton on Saturday, October 10.

Charlie Weir – another new addition to Duckworth’s squad – scored twice in the thumping win at Barton Stadium.

The forward scored what is believed to be the club’s fastest ever hat-trick during a previous spell with Blues as he plundered a four-minute treble against Stockport Sports back in 2013.

Sam Madeley scored the other goal for Duckworth’s side on Saturday.

The Blues manager has had a busy week on the recruitment front, with fans’ favourite Andy Hackett returning for the new season while talented midfielder Sam Jones has also signed on the dotted line.

Blues are due to open their North West Counties League Premier Division season with a home game against Avro on Saturday, October 3.