Thexton has been a prolific scorer at neighbours Newton Aycliffe, and has scored 19 league goals this season, and it is hoped will form a lethal partnership with Billy Greulich-Smith, who has scored 20 himself.

Thexton (pictured) is a proven Northern League goalscorer after spells with Willington, South Shields, Brandon United and Tow Law Town.

Shildon manager Danny Moore said: “We only had Billy and Zak Atkinson as strikers, so we’ve been a bit light in that area. We’ve got two of the leading scorers in the league, we must make sure that we use them.”

Aycliffe moved to replace Thexton with former Shildon forward Adam Burnicle from West Auckland Town.

Burnicle has also been with the likes of Morpeth Town and South Shields and had two stints with West Auckland.