Following the addition of defender Charlie Farmer and midfielder Joe Shelley earlier in the week, boss Dom Di Paola has today been able to confirm that he has bolstered United's attacking ranks as well, after signing Evan Archibald from Peacehaven & Telscombe.
The twenty-eight year old striker graduated from the youth set-up at Priory Lane to make a number of senior appearances for Eastbourne Borough during their rise to the Conference National, but spent much of the 2008/09 season on loan at Horsham, finishing as the Hornets' joint leading goalscorer that year.
He then signed for Finnish Division Two side AC Kajaani, where his nineteen goals again earned him top scorer honours, while a return to England then took in spells at Woking, Lewes and Worthing, before he settled at Eastbourne Town for three seasons, although he did have further spells back at Eastbourne Borough and Horsham, and a brief stint at Eastbourne United during that period.
The start of the 2013/14 campaign saw Archibald join Rye United, where he enjoyed a successful season until the Quarterboys' withdrew from the County League in March. He then signed for East Preston and helped Di Paola's former club to the league title, and looked set to remain with the West Sussex side until impressing Ryman South champions Peacehaven in a pre-season encounter between the two sides, going on to score on his Magpies' debut against Bognor Regis Town.
Di Paola said of his new recruit, "Evan is a lively striker, who has good energy and is very quick. He can hold up play, and go in behind, and I am hopeful that he will give us more options going forward. He is just coming into his peak, and has looked very good for Peacehaven this season, scoring and creating chances. He has added a lot to his game over the last few seasons and I hope that he can improve our attack with his quality and enthusiasm".
Archibald will link up with his new team-meates for the first time when United travel to Whyteleafe tomorrow afternoon.
