Cambridge City sign Alex Teniola from Bowers & Pitsea after leading goalscorer George Smith completes Brentwood Town move

Cambridge City manager Jamie Cureton has moved quickly to replace leading goalscorer George Smith.

It was confirmed late last week that Smith, who scored 16 times for the Lilywhites this term, had opted to join fellow Isthmian League North Division side Brentwood Town in their push for promotion.

“I spoke to Smudger on Thursday morning. He didn’t really want to go but I think Brentwood are the only team that could have persuaded him,” Cureton told the club’s YouTube channel.

“They’re aiming to win the league and if they don’t do that they’re going to be in the play-offs, so they’re giving him an opportunity to win promotion.

“It’s something he found hard to do but ultimately you don’t overly begrudge someone when their decision isn’t money – it’s on trying to win something.”

And the Smith-shaped void has been swiftly filled by Alex Teniola, who made his City debut during Saturday afternoon’s 2-0 home win over neighbouring Newmarket Town.

The former Aveley, Brentwood Town, Chelmsford City and Hashtag United frontman has arrived at the FWD-IP Community Stadium following a recent stint with Step 3 outfit Bowers & Pitsea, for whom he scored six goal this campaign.

“Al did well. He only trained with us Thursday and doesn’t know the group too much, but we needed a forward,” added Cureton.

“We had to try and act. He’ll be a good guy to have around and he’s a good character. He’ll help us out for the remainder of the season.”

Meanwhile, the weekend’s victory at the expense of the Jockeys halted a sequence of four winless games for Cureton’s men, who have lost just one of their last 13 encounters.