Loan moves for U21 duo

Harry Birtwistle and Owen Farmer will spend the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign out on loan.

Birtwistle, 20, has completed a move to National League side Oxford City where he will link up with Ross Jenkins’ squad.

The Hoops are competing in the fifth tier of English football for the first time in their history following promotion via the play-offs last time out.

They sit bottom of the table, but are well within a fighting chance of survival and are just three points from safety following victory over Ebbsfleet United last week.

Meanwhile, Farmer has joined National League North outfit Rushall Olympic for the rest of the current season.

Managed by Liam McDonald, Rushall are a club who also created history in 2022/23 as they reached the sixth tier for the first time.

After defeating Nuneaton Borough on penalties in the play-off final, the Pics are focused on securing their status in the North for a second successive season.

Currently, they are placed in 18th position and are five points clear of the drop zone after a run of just one defeat from their last four.

Pathways manager Steve Davis said: “It’s Harry’s first experience on loan after three seasons in the under-21s, which will enable him to show us his qualities in a competitive National League.

“The demands at this level will be a good challenge for him in the next phase of his development and we all look forward to seeing him continue with his progress.

“Owen has had an excellent first half of the season in the under-21s, making an impact in every game. He will be hoping to continue that form with the opportunity he is getting at Rushall which will be a good step up for him.

“We want him to show he can continue to be consistent in a different environment.”

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