Former Moneyfields striker Gregory set for Hayling United first team debut after debut goal for the reserves

George Gregory, right, could make his Hayling United debut against Clanfield on Tuesday. Picture: Allan Hutchings

The Humbugs were widely fancied to do well after ending 2019/20 with eight straight Senior Division victories.

But they have picked up only one point from three games so far, and that was courtesy of a late George Rough leveller at Winchester Castle.

At the weekend they took the lead at Overton through Jono Collington but some lax defending contributed to an eventual 3-1 loss.

The equaliser came when Humbugs keeper Chris Clark collided with one of his defenders, Liam Buxton, while the third goal came direct from a free-kick to the goalkeeper’s side.

Hayling have a quick chance to make amends as they host Clanfied on Tuesday (7.30pm).

Gregory has been signed from Moneyfields Reserves, and scored the winner for Hayling reserves against Clanfield on Saturday.

He will be involved on Tuesday with boss Dan Bishop also welcoming wing-backs Josh Elmes and Ben Metherell into the squad.

Both were absent at Overton, forcing Bishop to deploy a flat back four.

Skipper Elliott Spencer could also make his first HPL appearance of the season against Clanfield after coming through two reserves games following a rib injury.

‘We’ve had a shocker so far, that’s the truth of it,’ said Bishop.

‘But I’ve got total belief that we’ll come good.

‘The players and coaches all know the issues, we just need to solve them.

‘We just need to add that cutting edge and we’ll cause teams some damage.’