Bashley boss Barry Blankley has dealt one in the eye to his critics by pinning down talented youngsters Craig Davis and Richard Gillespie on two-year contracts.

Southampton-based midfielder Davis, 21, has become one of the most consistent performers in the club since his release from Cardiff City, while 18-year-old Romsey frontman Gillespie already has a long list of admirers, including Newport IoW and Winchester City.

The pair have both signed deals that will keep them at the Recreation Ground until the end of the 2004/5 season - proof, if proof were needed, that Blankley is happy to give youth a chance.

Over the years the Bash boss has come in for criticism from certain quarters about letting young players go and he said: "This should shut up those faceless idiots once and for all.

"No one's ever said anything to my face, but I've heard stuff and know there have been things on the Internet about me not giving youngsters a chance - like when Kieron Hall and Ali Simpson left to join Brockenhurst.

"I'm so pleased for myself and for the club that Craig and Gilly have signed these deals. Craig's Mr Consistency who's been virtually ever-present. I think all he's missed is the last five minutes of the Dartford game.

"As for Gilly, people say that now Paul Sales is fit again, he won't get a look-in, but that's not the case. He would have gone on with Paul against Burnham last Saturday, but his hamstring felt a bit tight. The lad's young and still growing.

"I know Bashley and Everton are poles apart, but we want to look after Gilly just like they've looked after Wayne Rooney. He's got to be nurtured."

Bash, who are second in the Eastern Division, take a full-strength squad to King's Lynn tomorrow. The only non-traveller could be assistant boss Fraser Quirke who is celebrating the birth of his second son, George.

l Salisbury have also put two of their bright, young sparks on contract - 19-year-old former Weymouth defender Josh Thomas and 22-year-old South African striker Stuart Brown.

The Whites travel to Ashford tomorrow as one of three teams locked a point adrift of league leaders Dorchester, but manager Nick Holmes is not getting too excited - yet!

He said: "We're still top-heavy on home games. We're played nine at Salisbury and only five away. If we're still second in three or four weeks' time, then I'll know we've come a long, long way. It's going to be a big test of character."

Whites still have plenty of bumps and bruises in the camp, but the biggest question mark tomorrow hangs over defenders Scott Bartlett and Andy Cook.

Midfielder Neil Champion returns from suspension to boost Havant & Waterlooville's Premier Division revival push at home to Cambridge City.

Hawks fought Conference outfit Dagenham & Redbridge every inch of the way in an unlucky 3-2 FA Cup defeat last Saturday and co-manager Mick Jenkins is looking to maintain those standards and push into the top six by the New Year.

The Westleigh Park outfit are down in 17th at present, but Jenkins said: "If we can consistently reproduce the form we've shown in the cups, who knows what could happen?"

Hawks are without ex-Saints midfielder Dean Blake, who sits out the last of a three-match suspension.

Fleet Town - away to Rothwell - have completed the signing of 40-year-old former England winger Mark Chamberlain.