AFC Fylde sign Burnley goalkeeper on loan

As expected, the Coasters moved today to sign a goalkeeper ahead of Saturday's FA Trophy tie at Boston United, with the club's senior keepers Chris Neal and Max Johnstone both injured.

The 18-year-old, who has played for the Clarets' Under-23s, is available for tomorrow’s third-round tie at newly-opened Jakemans Community Stadium.

Thomas moved from Manchester City to join Premier League Burnley on a two-year scholarship in the summer of 2019. He had previously been a youth player at hometown club Leicester City.

Fylde academy player Aaron Lancaster stepped up to make his Fylde debut in Tuesday's second-round tie at Curzon Ashton, after Neal suffered a calf injury in training, and the teenager impressed in the 4-1 win.

Fylde boss Nick Chadwick had stated a keeper would be signed ahead of tomorrow's clash with Boston, who Fylde defeated 2-1 at Mill Farm three weeks ago in National League North.

Chadwick told the club website: “Lewis arrives here highly recommended, having impressed on loan at Padiham FC.

“He’s a goalkeeper with significant stature. He’s eager to learn and gain more experience in men’s football, so with our current goalkeeping situation it’s a really good fit.

"We would like to thank Burnley for allowing us to bring Lewis in and we hope that he enjoys his time with us."