STRIKER Joe Lolley wants to build on his silver medal winning success at the World Summer Games by earning a deal at Conference Premier title hopefuls Kidderminster Harriers.
The 20-year-old, who lives in Wychbold, was an integral part of British Universities and Colleges football team which roared all the way to the final in Russia, only to be edged out 3-2 by France.
He’s currently on trial with Kidderminster, making his debut as a second half substitute in the Conference Premier team’s 2-0 win at Stourport Swifts and set up Ryan Rowe’s goal.
Lolley was part of a BUCs squad packed with plenty of non-league experience and he was mainly used as an impact substitute.
A student at the University of Central Lancashire, he played against Italy and was on the bench in the semi-final, when GB defeated Russia 5-3 on penalties in front of a 10,000 crowd in Rubin Kazan’s stadium.
Lolley was also an unused replacement during a thrilling final. Britain had been trailing 2-0 and after absorbing heavy pressure forced extra-time thanks to a brace by Spennymoor United hitman Micky Rae.
GB had held their own in extra-time, until the 23rd minute when France bagged the winner.
Lolley was delighted to have been part of a successful squad.
He said: “The aim was to win a medal, so it was brilliant to reach the final and get a silver.
“I was the youngest member of the squad, so I knew I might not play too much but everyone pulled together and I felt part of the squad.
“It was an amazing experience and the tournament was ran very professionally, there was food, drink and anything you needed available.”
Lolley has built a reputation as one of the Midland Combination’s hottest properties after scoring 83 goals in 88 games, and he’s hoping to impress Harriers boss Steve Burr.
He already knows Kidderminster academy boss and first team coach Steve Guinan, who was also a member of the BUCs backroom staff.
The young hitman knows he will have to shine to earn a move up from the sixth tier of the non-league pyramid to the first.
Lolley, who grew up in Redditch and attended Kingsley College, added: “I played for 40 minutes against Swifts and I thought I did okay.
“I’ve got a stiff neck but I am hoping that will get better quickly and I can impress the management at Kidderminster.”
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