Marine miss out on former Villa youngster (From Swindon Advertiser)

Marine miss out on former Villa youngster

7:00am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in Sport By Ned Payne

SUPERMARINE boss Dave Webb has revealed his approach for ex-Southampton and Aston Villa youngster Ethan Moore fell flat.

Webb had hoped the 19-year-old Cheltenham Saracens striker would take part in a training session last week - and subsequently sign - but did not have his calls returned.

Had Marine pulled off the transfer of the 19-year-old, who once commanded a six-figure fee when moving from Southampton to Aston Villa as a youth player, it would have been one their Southern Premier opponents tonight would have been proud of.

Hungerford secured the double transfer coup of ex-Swindon Town winger Alan O’Brien and ex-Reading striker James Harper during the summer - although the latter has since returned to the Football League with Doncaster.

But Webb was unable to complete a similarly impressive deal, and he explained: “It’s a shame because he’d have been a good player to have in, but we’ll change tack and get someone else now.

“We have a couple of seven-day approaches in for a striker and a midfielder, and I’m allowed to speak to the striker after Wednesday.”

Hungerford, who have ex-Marine players on his books including Gary Horgan, Bradley Gray and Mark Draycott, are famed for their healthy budget and have started the Division South & West season in confident fashion, winning three of their four opening games.

And Webb is under no illusions as to how tough Bobby Wilkinson’s troops will make it for his own side.

“Make no bones about it, it’s a massive test because they have got cover in every position,” said Webb.

“It’s not like the players in reserve aren’t good enough, they are good enough to get in most teams.

“He (Wilkinson) has got a wonderful problem in that he can only pick 11 players. No matter what team it is, it’s going to be a strong 11.”

Tom Cole and Kyle Lapham are still away, while Danny Allen (hamstring) and Craig Curtis (groin and hip) are doubtful.

Ash Edenborough (back) will not be ready until at least the weekend while TJ Bohane remains sidelined.

Elsewhere tonight, Highworth travel to Calne in the FA Vase first qualifying round replay, while Shrivenham host Cheltenham in the Hellenic Premier.