Twenty-five-year-old Lawson, who can play anywhere up front, has been at Sunderland RCA for the last two seasons.

He attended the Sunderland AFC academy, and was a regular in the Premier Reserve League for the Black Cats’ under-23s.

Since leaving the Stadium of Light he has played for Whitby Town and Guisborough Town, as well as RCA.

His signing follows that of attacking midfielder Lewis Green (pictured).

The 23-year-old spent last season with Thornaby in the Northern League First Division and scored against Consett in the 1-1 draw at Belle View last August.

It was his second spell at the club, with some time at Second Division Easington Colliery in-between.

He started at Hartlepool United academy and also has Northern League experience with Billingham Town and Norton & Stockton Ancients.