Moneyfields ring changes in avoiding Russell Cotes Cup banana skin at Paulsgrove

With a Wessex League derby at Baffins Milton Rovers coming up this Wednesday, boss Glenn Turnbull rested a host of regulars for his side’s 5-0 romp.

Striker Josh Bailey was handed his first competitive start of the campaign - after nine sub outings - against the Hampshire Premier League Senior Division hosts.

Teenager Cohwen Whittaker was introduced as an early second half sub, only his second first team outing of 2022/23.

There were also first team debuts to youth team pair Kieron Jenkins and Dylan Sadler, who came on late in the second half.

The likes of Tom Cain and Harry Sargeant, carrying slight niggles, weren’t risked and striker Steve Hutchings was given the afternoon off.

Full-back Eric-Georges Dellaud was absent after picking up an injury playing for Chichester City’s first team last Tuesday.

Another Chichester dual registered player - midfielder Joe Moore - had originally been due to travel with Moneys to Paulsgrove, but was instead needed by Chi.

Chad Cornwell, who had scored a hat-trick in Moneys’ 8-1 pre-season win at Grove, opened the scoring in the first half.

SEE MORE: Picture gallery – Paulsgrove v Moneyfields

Bailey doubled the lead before half-time with Charlie Bell (2) and Callum Laycock completing the nap hand show.

Bell’s first strike was a penalty - after Cornwell had been fouled - and the second a fine solo effort.

Asked to sum up the 90 minutes, Turnbull remarked: ‘It was alright. It was important we won and it was good to keep a clean sheet.

‘The grass was a bit long. When we played there pre-season there was hardly any grass and this time there was too much of it.

‘It was just a case of matching their desire and hoping our quality would kick on.’

Turnbull, meanwhile, is concerned that Joe Briggs could remain sidelined for an indefinite period.

The versatile player, who can appear at full-back, midfielder or attack, has only made six starts this season and has been out with a knee injury for a while now.

‘It’s a shame,’ said Turnbull. ‘I’m not sure we’ll see Joe this side of Christmas, it could even be the season. That’s Briggo, Elliott (Turnbull) and maybe Franko (James Franklyn) out for the season.’