Hayling United boss Dan Bishop eager to ‘build bridges’ with island’s most promising youngsters

Both of the Humbugs' prospects were introduced at half time in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Moneyfields Reserves in their opening Group 6 fixture.

Bishop told The News last week would be using the competition as a chance to cast his eye over the club's brightest prospects.

He stuck to his word, handing both Mardell and Clapp the platform to show him what they could do.

Now Bishop has pledged to use more of the Humbugs' reserves in the remaining group games against Locks Heath and Fleetlands.

He said: 'There were two of the lads in particular, Jack Mardell and Max Clapp, Jack is a centre-midfielder and Max is a central defender.

'They came on at half-time and did very well, they didn’t look out of place. There were one or two times where they were caught out with the game being a little bit quicker, but generally speaking they did very well.

‘Again, they’ll learn from that because that’s how they are, good lads.

‘We genuinely want lads from the island to be able to get up and play in the first team.

‘I want to build those bridges and let them be able to play.'

Hayling had to twice come from behind to ensure they avoided defeat in their opening group match in the Hampshire Premier League competition.

Ant Baker bagged two for the Humbugs as they came away with a point with focus now switching to the second group match - this time at Locks Heath on Wednesday.

Danny Burroughs netted both goals for Moneys, who had won 3-0 at Hayling in a HPL Cup tie last October.