Lee Novak, a summer target for Workington Reds, could be playing against them next month.

The 20-year-old former Gretna striker has joined Blue Square North rivals Gateshead who visit Borough Park on October 21.

The Tynesiders have had a long search for a replacement for Paul Brayson, who joined Newcastle Blue Star in the summer. Novak’s switch from Blue Star sees Gateshead midfielder Steve Salvin moving in the opposite direction.

Novak was Blue Star's top scorer with 22 goals last season and has already scored seven this season.

He was tracked by Reds boss Darren Edmondson during the summer and at one point, with Blue Star owing Reds compensation money for ex-boss Tommy Cassidy, it was thought a deal could have been initiated.

But Novak seems happy to be switching to Blue Square North and he has told the Evening Chronicle: "I'm over the moon to join Gateshead as they are a bigger club than Newcastle Blue Star and the Blue Square North is a much higher standard of football.

"I was disappointed not to get the chance to join Stockport in the summer as I scored in both trial games, but going to Gateshead is a good move for me."

Gateshead boss Ian Bogie expressed similar sentiments at acquiring the services of the in form forward.

He said: "Blue Star have got a good player in Steve Salvin but I'm also delighted to finally land Novak.

"It's a deal that suits both clubs and I'm confident that Novak, with his pace and goal-scoring ability, will give us another dimension."

He’s likely to make his debut a week on Wednesday when Gateshead host Stafford in Blue Square North.

Salvin, who moves in the other direction, played an integral part of Gateshead's promotion last season, but has not featured for them this time round

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