Needham Market striker Sam Newson is hoping use the four day trial with Gillingham to earn himself a professional deal.

The 23-year-old has been in prolific form this season scoring 29 times to lead the goalscoring charts in Ryman League Division One North and has been given permission to travel to Kent with effect from Monday before returning after training on Thursday.

Newson, who was also watched by Southend United manager Paul Sturrock last season, is now determined to earn himself a professional contract with the Gills:

“I am very excited about the opportunity,” he said to the Bury Free Press. “Everyone dreams of playing football professionally and I could now have the chance to do that.

“Gillingham called Needham and the club have arranged everything for me and I am extremely grateful for that.

“It is a win-win situation for me because at the least I will go and spend a few days training with a professional club and try my best to earn a contract and if so become a professional.

“I will just have to work as hard as I can and show what I can do.

“Obviously if I am not successful I will be fully focused on coming back and doing all I can for Needham.”

Needham boss Danny Laws has admitted that he would be sad to lose his marksman to The Gills, but wouldn’t stand in his way if he earnt a contract:

“I don’t want to lose any of my players from the club,” he said.

“However, a professional League Two club like Gillingham is attractive to anyone at our level and we all hope Sam can prove himself.

“If something was to happen after the trial then everyone at the club would miss him.”

Newson could line up against Chatham Town in the Ryman League Division One North on Saturday keen to head to Priestfield on a high.