Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Jed Ward has extended his loan at Hungerford Town until the end of the season having impressed so far during his short stint at Bulpit Lane.
Ward, who spent time on loan at Swindon Supermarine and Prescot Cables last season, moved down the M4 last month and has since made five appearances in the National League South, conceding three goals and keeping two clean sheets and winning man of the match on debut against St Albans City.
The 19-year-old, who has trained with the England Under-19 squad, is highly-rated at Rovers and has been around the first-team set-up throughout Joey Barton’s time with the Gas but this season gives the Bristolian the opportunity to get a full senior campaign under his belt.
“I am really happy to extend my stay. Everyone at Hungerford has been brilliant with me and I am enjoying every minute,” Ward said.
Ward’s extension leaves Rovers with only two senior keepers in first-choice James Belshaw, who has started all seven of their League One fixtures this season, and Anssi Jaakkola, who has also been operating as the club’s goalkeeper coach following the summer departure of Tony Warner to Reading. Rovers do hold a recall option for Ward should they need to bring him back at short notice as injury cover.
Meanwhile, Ward’s academy colleague Harvey Greenslade has also secured a loan move to the National League South, joining Chippenham Town until January.
Greenslade was involved throughout pre-season with the Gas, has trained consistently with the first-team and was a second-half substitute in the 1-1 EFL Trophy draw at Plymouth Argyle last week, but the forward has moved to Hardenhuish Park for more game time with Rovers not possessing an Under-21/Development Squad.
Greenslade will join a squad full of Rovers connections with former Gas talents Tom Mehew, Luke Russe and Pablo Martinez all key members of Gary Horgan’s squad.
Jamie Egan has spent the last month on loan under Lee Mansell at Gloucester City but there’s been no confirmation whether the defender’s deal will be extended beyond the original one-month agreement.
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