Gauge becomes the third player to move between the two clubs this term and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's meeting with AFC Dunstable at Langford Road.

The promising local centre-half first came to the attention of the Biggleswade management team last season when he scooped three awards across town at Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division neighbours Biggleswade United in an impressive campaign at the heart of their defence, which recorded a highest-ever league finish.

Joint-managers Dave Northfield and Mark Inskip tried to sign him in the summer ahead of FC`s first season at Step 4 level, but the lure of Step 3 football at Top Field proved too much and he signed for the Canaries after some solid pre-season performances. 

Northfield told https://www.biggleswadefc.co.uk: "We are very happy to get Joe on board. He was a player who really impressed against us last season, so we made our move in the summer but found out he was also on Hitchin's radar. He has gained some good experience with them already and has started a lot of games.

“I have spoken to Mark Burke, the Hitchin Town manager, on quite a few occasions this season with Kieran Barnes coming our way and Alex Marsh going the other at different times, I thought I would ask about Joe's availability and he was kind enough to help us out.

“We have been light in terms of numbers in that department this term, so this is perfect for us as Joe will put pressure on those places and I know given his chance he will grab it with both hands. His addition also fits in with our ethos of working with and developing young and hungry local players".