Hawks boss delighted with new-addition Cordner

The youngster has been with the Cherries for four years after signing from Pompey.

Lee Bradbury faced a huge defensive headache ahead of the game at Ebbsfleet United last weekend.

Paul Robinson, Jordan Rose and Dan Strugnell were all ruled out by injury.

But a quick phone call to his former club saw Cordner drafted in for a last-minute debut.

It was quickly obvious that Cordner is a quality defender who is very composed on the ball.

He played a big part in the Hawks coming away with a 1-1 draw.

And he reinforced those first impressions at Barnet in midweek when again he produced another polished performance.

Bradbury rates the youngster highly.

'Tyler showed that he is strong and a good footballer,' said Bradbury.

'Although only 19 years old, he is six-foot-three and competes well.

'He wants to play the game the right way and what he will get at this level is a balance.

'With us he will get experience of playing men's football.

'I have known him for years and he is a relatively local lad from Hedge End.

'He can fit in very nicely.'

While Cordner has come into the squad at Westleigh Park, young striker Alfie Rutherford has joined National South Eastbourne Borough on loan.

He has struggled to get a regular start this season and Bradbury recognises he needs to be playing.

'Alfie has been frustrated by the lack of game time,' said Bradbury.

'I fully understand that and this is an opportunity for him to regain some of his sharpness.

'He has gone to a club playing at a level where he has done well in the past.

'Also, he is linking up again with Jamie Howell, who was his manager at Bognor.'