Harrogate Town sign former goalkeeper James Belshaw on emergency loan from Bristol Rovers

Harrogate Town have signed former goalkeeper James Belshaw on an emergency loan from Bristol Rovers.

The Yorkshire side currently sit 18th in the division and have had a problem in between the sticks since Mark Oxley picked up an injury in late October. Jonathan Mitchell has since worn the gloves for Harrogate, however the League Two outfit have decided to re-sign Belshaw who made 180 appearances for the club.

Belshaw has spent the past two-and-a-half months on loan at Forest Green Rovers. The 33-year-old initially signed on a seven-day emergency loan at the League Two club, but ended up playing an integral part in the Gloucestershire side's recent run of games, making 11 appearances for David Horseman's side. The Englishman was pivotal and was involved in some of the club's better performances of late, despite a difficult run of results this season. Forest Green currently sit 23rd in League Two and fans will be sad to see Belshaw depart, as he became a popular figure under Horseman. Belshaw posted a thank you message to Forest Green, wishing them all the best for the future on his social media account.

The Yorkshire club have signed their former star as a readymade replacement, as they look to break away further from the relegation zone. A fan favourite amongst Gasheads, the goalkeeper's initial departure wasn't very supported, particularly due to the question marks that have been raised over Brentford loanee Matt Cox.