Hayling United boss Bishop hails ‘big statement’ as Humbugs extend Hampshire Premier League winning streak to six games

It made it six successive league victories for the fifth-placed Humbugs, but the boss took greater pride from his players showing a different side to come through their latest test.

First half strikes from George Rough and Luke Wheatcroft were enough to take Hayling to 40 points - already eight more than they bagged in the whole of 2018/19 and still with seven league games left.

Although David Paskins pulled a goal back after the restart, Bishop was confident his team would win.

The Humbugs had netted 27 goals in their previous five matches prior to the trip to Common. But it was the resilience shown in the latest victory that impressed Bishop the most.

‘It took us a little while to get to grips with what the league is all about,' said Bishop.

‘But the boys are really standing up to it.

‘I’ve known all season that we can play the pretty stuff, but I saw a resilience at the weekend.

‘I know Colden Common got one back in the second half, but I didn’t really ever feel like we were going to concede again.

‘That’s a big credit to the boys' attitude.

'It was a big statement.

‘On a very difficult pitch, we played some decent stuff.'

Defender Jon Collington had a goal ruled out before Rough broke the deadlock with a smart finish on 27 minutes.

Wheatcroft then headed home from a corner to double Hayling's advantage 10 minutes later.

Paskins' effort 20 minutes from time set up a tense finale but the Humbugs held out.

Elliott Spencer was praised for his standout showing in midfield.

Hayling’s next four games are all against teams in the bottom seven - Winchester Castle at home next weekend.

‘What I don’t want to do is get in the boys’ heads that we’re going to go on this winning streak,' added Bishop.

‘It genuinely is just one game at a time.

‘I don’t like big egos, the boys just need to remain grounded and on their toes.'