EASTLEIGH are targeting Fareham Town's goalkeeper Lee Webber as the man to provide competition for Wayne Shaw at the Sparshatts Stadium.

Paul Doswell, manager of the Ryman Premier title-chasers, has lodged notice of approach for the Southampton-based 26-year-old who is rated among the best keepers in the Sydenhams Wessex League.

Since the departure of Colin Matthews to Gosport Borough earlier this month, goalkeeping coach Shaw has been handed the first-team gloves indefinitely.

But Doswell wants healthy competition in all positions and rates Webber - older brother of Winchester City skipper, Lloyd - as one of the best young keepers around.

He said: "He ticks all the right boxes for me. He's not the biggest in the world - and I do like big keepers - but Lee's a modern keeper, a good kicker and an excellent communicator.

"Only Lee will know if he's able to go up two levels, but I think he can.

"He's someone I've admired from afar. I've watched him maybe a dozen times and it says a lot about the lad that I've never seen him make a mistake.

"He reminds me of a non-League Antti Niemi. He saves most shots and kicks most things well. Like Niemi, he's also very calm and composed.

"He's got the type of persona to make a defence feel comfortable."

Doswell has made it clear, however, that whichever keeper he brings into the club will have to wait his turn for first-team action.

He said: "Whereas Colin Matthews was guaranteed the number one slot, that won't be the case with the new keeper. He'll be coming here to challenge Wayne for a place.

"Wayne's done very well since taking over from Colin and if Lee were to join us he'd have to wait for Wayne to either get an injury or lose form - and I can't imagine it being the latter."

Former Hamble and Bashley keeper Webber has been with Fareham since they joined the Wessex League in 1998 and has written his name in the Cams Alders record books with over 300 league and cup appearances.

Town recently presented him with an inscribed carriage clock in recognition of his landmark achievement and he received a parcel of signed gifts from his big goalkeeping hero, Everton and Wales legend Neville Southall.