New keeper Jonathan Hedge aims to spur on Grimsby Town

JONATHAN Hedge is looking forward to creating a successful partnership with fellow Grimsby Town stopper James McKeown.

The 25-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Mariners yesterday afternoon, and immediately made his debut in last night's friendly victory against a Hull City XI.

Hedge arrives at Blundell Park on a free transfer, following his release from Cambridge at the end of last season.

The goalkeeper was called into action just 10 minutes into the 1-0 victory against the young Tigers, making a smart stop to deny a powerful Matthew Dixon header.

And having kept a clean sheet on his very first day at the club, Hedge has set his sights on promotion.

He told the Telegraph: "The last two days have been a whirlwind – it all happened so quickly, but I'm delighted to be here.

"As soon as I heard the interest, that was my mind made up.

"Grimsby Town is not a Conference club.

"It is not where they want to be, and it is not where I want to be – we want to be in the Football League.

"I think we can go all the way – we got to the play-offs last season, and everyone here is pushing to go one step further."

Hedge, who played the full 90 minutes against Stephen Clemence's Development Squad, is no stranger to Conference football.

He made 18 appearances for the U's in 2012/2013, and played a further five times while on loan at Southport towards the end of the campaign.

Hedge also played 43 league games at Tamworth, after beginning his career as a trainee with Rotherham United.

But now the stopper is looking to build on his first outing by bringing the best out of himself, and Mariners' number one McKeown.

Hedge added: "I thought I did okay for my first game in a few months.

"It's always nice to get a clean sheet, but it's time for the hard work to begin ahead of the new season. I want to push James all the way and, if we create a strong working relationship, that will only help us."