WITTON Albion's desire to keep as much of their 2020-21 squad together as possible has been boosted by a second signing this week, though they have lost the services of a striker.

Dependable full-back Isaac Baldwin, 24, who has skippered Carl Macauley's team on occasions, has extended his stay at Wincham Park until the end of the 2021-2022 campaign.

However Scott Bakkor, who scored five goals in 10 appearances on his return to Witton last term, has decided his immediate future lies with his former club Stalybridge Celtic.

Baldwin, though, follows in the boots of Billy Smart in sticking around for another season and believes much can be achieved by the club.

"I've loved it here," he exclaimed when asked his reasons for staying.

"We started well last year, and if we can keep the majority of the squad together and bring in a couple of new players, there's no reason we can't be fighting for promotion again next season.

"I'm looking forward to the new season and can't wait to get going again."

Baldwin initially joined Witton on loan from Farsley Celtic in November 2019 before making the move permanent last summer.

He has been a key performer ever since, showing his versatility by playing both on the left and right sides of defence.

Bakkor, 26, spent two years with Stalybridge before his successful return stint with Witton last season.

He was crowned Celtic’s player of the year in 2018/19 and went on to score 14 goals in 87 appearances.

Bakkor has also had spells with Skelmersdale United, Warrington Town, Curzon Ashton, Colwyn Bay and Marine.