JOSH Fowler is hoping he can force himself into the reckoning at Supermarine after enjoying a successful stint with Wiltshire Under 18s this season.

Fowler was a victim of the superb form of strike partners Ash Edenborough and Josh Parsons in Division One South & West, but for his county it was a different story.

The 17-year-old scored five goals during a South and West Counties Championships Group B campaign that saw Wiltshire finish at the summit of their group.

That table-topping position allowed Pete Cooper’s troops to progress to the play-off final against Group A winners Oxfordshire.

There a brace from league top scorer Fowler and a further effort from Will Thompson gave the county boys a 3-1 win.

The former Shrivenham youngster’s spell with Wiltshire is now over and his focus is on impressing Supermarine manager Dave Webb and making a name for himself at the Webb’s Wood Stadium.

“Playing for Wiltshire was brilliant,” he said.

“I hardly play (at Supermarine) so it was good to get some games for Wiltshire and nice to have a laugh with the lads.

“It was fun to play for the team, the manager’s great and all the other staff are brilliant. They treated us really well, so thanks to them.

“I only played 10 games for them and I’ve finished now because my 18th birthday is in a couple of months.

“To be in the starting line-up for Supermarine (next season) would be good. He (Webb) said to keep doing what I’ve been doing and he will gradually bring me into the team.

“I’m not as good as most players that are there because they are all experienced, but if they carry on doing what I’m doing, hopefully I’ll be as good as them in a few years.”

Wiltshire secured their place at the top of Group B courtesy of a 5-1 win at Somerset, a 1-0 victory at home to Cornwall and a 2-2 draw with visitors Gloucestershire. Wiltshire also lost 4-3 to Devon.

Fowler and his teammates progressed to the FA County Youth Cup semi-final thanks to a 2-1 win over Staffordshire in the last eight, but they were sunk 3-1 by Bedfordshire in the semis.

In the Mick Parry Trophy, Wiltshire fared less well as they were defeated 4-2 by Gloucestershire in the first round.