ILKESTON Town could snap up forward Alex Steadman from under the noses of UniBond League newcomers Mickleover Sports.

Steadman has joined Sports from former Northern Counties East League rivals Long Eaton United on a non-contract basis.

But Ilkeston manager Kevin Wilson is now considering a swoop for the 23-year-old ahead of the club's first Blue Square North campaign.

Steadman, who scored 16 goals for Long Eaton last season, is set for a trial with the Robins tomorrow, when they travel to Chasetown for a pre-season friendly.

"We are interested in signing Alex," said Wilson.

"I have a good friendship with (Mickleover boss) Dick Pratley and he has agreed to let him come and play for us at Chasetown.

"Alex can play down the middle but I am also looking for a wide man with the pace to match Sam Duncum on the other side.

"From what I have seen of Alex, he has certainly got that."

Pratley said he would not stand in Steadman's way if he were given the opportunity to join Ilkeston.

"I am hoping he will end up with us as I have been trying to sign him for the last year and a half but I would never step in anybody's way if they were offered the chance to play at a higher level," he said.

"Ilkeston are two leagues above us and you have to look at it from the player's point of view.

"I have known Kevin for years – we played in the same youth team – and he phoned me to ask about Alex.

"He has seen him play a few times and liked what he saw.

"Alex has got a good pedigree and it looked like we would get him – but he could be snatched away from us now."

Long Eaton manager Mark Harvey is hoping Steadman joins Ilkeston following his departure from Grange Park.

"I wish Alex all the best, wherever he ends up," said Harvey.

"He did a fantastic job for us and I am very sorry to lose him. I can't speak highly enough of him.

"Mickleover are in the league above us now and there's not a lot we can do about that at the moment. Ideally, I would like to see him end up at Ilkeston."

Harvey has brought much-travelled midfielder Nick Ghislanzoni back to Long Eaton, while Adam Campbell, David Leak, Chris Wilson and Gerry Moran have followed newly-appointed joint boss Andy Worrall to Grange Park from Ilkeston Town reserves, with Shane Newton set to do likewise when he returns from injury.

Andrew Rigby, David Wilkins and Adam Newton, meanwhile, have left the Blues.

BURTON Albion overcame Rocester 8-0 in a pre-season friendly at Hillsfield last night.

Two goals from Marc Goodfellow, along with strikes from Robin Shroot and John McGrath put the Brewers 4-0 up at half time.

And the Romans' misery continued in the second half when Shaun Harrad, Jimmy Phillips, Guy Branston and Greg Pearson all found the back of the net for a convincing Brewers victory.