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Gardner informed the club he wanted to move on after failing to force his way into the starting line up in the four games since he signed for the club. Gardner made just two brief substitute appearances during his short stay with the club.

Norton commenting on the situation said: "When Matt approached us about signing for us I told him that we'd be happy to sign him but that he would have to be patient and wait for his chance due to the fact we already had three strikers who had been doing great for us all season.

"I told him when he signed that we couldn't guarantee him a game but if he wanted to join us to come and give it a go and see where it went. We also agreed with him that if after a few games he felt it wasn't working out then he would be free to find another club.

"Matt informed me on Sunday that he wished to move on due to his lack of opportunities whilst with us and whilst disappointed he has decided to do so I fully understand his decision. It's been difficult to find a chance for him due to the continued good form of Dean Oliver, Royce Turville and Richard Hanslow.

"His chances in the few games since he signed have been limited and so he's decided to move on and will join Causeway United this week once we have waived the seven day notice of approach".

Meanwhile utility player Gareth Langford has also indicated he wishes to move on. Langford has failed to hold down a regular place in his preferred central midfield position this season and after starting on the bench for last Saturday's 2-0 victory over Stratford Town Langford informed the club of his intention to move on.

On Langford's decision Norton commented: "Gareth spoke to me a few weeks back about his frustration so his leaving has probably been coming for some time. However, with our current injuries and the suspensions to key players coming up the timing could have been better for us. I've asked him to reconsider his decision and we will see how that goes in the coming days".

He added: "We spoke a few weeks back when Gareth had become frustrated at his lack of opportunities in his preferred position. Gareth has been very unlucky in that his chances have been limited and to some extent the fact that he can cover in a number of positions has probably worked against him.

"His flexibility in a number of areas has often been invaluable and has meant that he has played in a number of positions for us when required. However, he wanted to be given more of a chance in the central midfield position which wasn't something that materialised on a regular basis due to the form of other players. When he did play there we didn't feel as though his performances were to the standards he has previously set but in fairness, he hasn't perhaps been given the opportunity of a run of games in there and as a result he has become frustrated and indicated he wants to look elsewhere to play.

"Gareth has been a top player for us over the last season or so and we would be genuinely sorry to lose him."

In other news the club have signed central midfielder Martin Gadsby today. Norton commenting on the news said: "We spoke to Martin over the weekend and whilst his personal commitments make it unlikely he will be regularly available, he has agreed to sign to provide cover should it be required during March particularly with the upcoming suspensions of James Jepson and Danny Holmes in mind.

"He's got good experience and proven quality at this level and he's been playing locally regularly so is fit and has said that he would be there to help should we need it. In addition we are looking at other options including one or two prospects in the Reserve team who are on our radar to keep an eye on".