Baffins Milton Rovers boss Wilkinson: Why I’ve given Charlie Searle the club captaincy

Baffins made the perfect start to their league campaign with a confident 3-0 win at Alresford Town.

It was just the tonic needed after their disappointing home FA Cup exit to divisional rivals AFC Stoneham.

Wilkinson is keen to pick up a first win in front of the home fans.

'I just want us to carry on where we left off on Saturday,' he said.

'We must look to put back-to-back results together, especially as we are at home.

'Getting the win at Alresford got one monkey off our back, now we must do the same at home.

'Our squad are in good spirits, we trained with a good attitude and all are chomping at the bit to get going again.

'At Alresford not only did we do better individually, we were more collective as a team.

'Losing against Stoneham showed that you can't carry three or four players and get anything from a game.

'Everyone was on their game and that was the difference.

'Defensively we have looked sound but at Alresford our flair players got on the ball more and we looked more of a threat going forward.

'We have got some good footballers and it is important that we get them on the ball in the right areas.

'There is no point in by-passing these players.

'Hamble are another young side, like us, and we are expecting a tough test.

'They are still looking for a first league win so they will be up for it.'

One player who is certainly making an impact is goalkeeper Charlie Searle, who Wilkinson has made club captain.

Searle, who started with the Hawks, has also played for Bognor Regis, AFC Salisbury and AFC Totton.

He hardly played last season after leaving Bognor and falling out of love with the game.

During the summer he worked hard, got himself fit and is ready to go again.

In the FA Cup tie against Stoneham he pulled off a series of important saves, including one 'worldie' to keep a shot out of the top corner.

'Charlie is easily capable of playing at a much higher level,' said Wilkinson.

'He has come in with a great attitude and commitment.

'I have made him club captain and he thrives on things like that.

'He is great with the lads and good to have in the dressing room.

'Charlie wasn't enjoying his football and when that happens it is no good.

'He is better than our level but when we sat down with him in the summer we told him that he needs to be a number one and playing games.

'Here he can feel loved and get games under his belt.

'To be honest, without Charlie against Stoneham the scoreline would have been more damaging.

'He has all the attributes to kick on again.'