Forrmer Hungerford Town skipper and player of the year Marvel Ekpiteta is the latest signing in the door for the Fleet, joining the club on a three-month loan from League Two title contenders Newport County.

The club has had to await international clearance before an announcement on his signing.

The 24-year-old central defender, who can also play in a full-back role, has come against the Fleet on several occasions for the likes of Chelmsford City and East Thurrock United.

Together with twin brother Marvin (now at Leyton Orient), he has had a good grounding in non-league football after leaving Oxford United and Stevenage as a youngster.

He learned his trade as a teenager with North Greenford United, moving on to Chelmsford and having two spells with Bishop’s Stortford, before last season’s defining campaign with Hungerford. His standout performances in the Crusaders’ heart of defence – where he won manager’s, players’ and supporters’ player of the year – prompted Newport to sign him on a two-year contract in the summer.