North Leigh goal machine Matty Taylor has been sold to Forest Green Rovers for an undisclosed fee, writes NICK FARRANT.

Taylor, 21, who has signed a two-year deal, netted 40 times for the Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West side last season.

He rejected a summer move to Forest Green’s Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Newport.

The former Oxford United youngster, who signed a two-year deal with Mark Gee’s outfit in July, has been sidelined with a minor knee injury, but has this week been training with Forest Green.

“We’re disappointed because we are losing a 30-odd goal a season player, but we’e absolutely chuffed to bits for him as an individual,” said Gee’s No 2 Terry Merriman.

“We signed him on a contract to stop him going to any local teams. He is good enough to play higher.

“He doesn’t lack in any area and is vastly superior to our level. I am sure he will give it a good shot in the Conference.”

Merriman added: “There is a fee involved, which I can’t reveal, as he was on a contract and there is a sell-on clause.

“We weren’t looking for a big fee, which may have stopped him moving. But if he does do well, then we would like to benefit.”

Forest Green boss Dave Hockaday added: “We’ve watc-hed him for a long time – he’s a very good player outside the box, never mind inside it.”