LEE Burch’s disappointment at losing 2-1 at Fleet Spurs on Saturday was offset by a heartening performance from young Hythe & Dibden goalkeeper Callum Croucher.

With regular Number 1 Jon Page away, the 16-year-old youth team graduate took to Sydenhams One football like a duck to water.

It wasn’t enough, though, to ward off a late defeat for Hythe who led by a Simon De’Ath penalty, awarded for handball, with just three minutes to go.

Sam Knowles bagged both for Fleet, replying from the spot after Sam McCarthy had been penalised for wrapping his arms around the centre forward, before striking again at the death.

“It was disappointing to lose but, for a 16-year-old goalkeeper to be thrown in like that and play so well was superb,” said H&D boss Burch. “He made one worldy save to stop a header going into the top corner.

“Callum still plays for the under-16s but I felt confident he could make the step up after watching him train.”

After so many postponements at their new Clayfields Ground, Hythe are looking forward to staging two games in quick succession.

Burch’s men tonight host Romsey Town – 3-1 winners at East Cowes Vics on Saturday – while the reserves entertain neighbours Fawley in the Wyvern Combination Division One West tomorrow (Wednesday).

Team Solent (Jermal Frederick, Rafael da Costa 2) extended their lead at the Sydenhams One summit to four points with a 3-2 win at Downton on Saturday.

Amesbury lost ground with a 2-1 defeat at Cowes Sports (Ryan Gregory, John McKie), allowing Tadley Calleva – 4-1 winners at Ringwood through Brett Denham (3) and Andrew Charlsey – to reclaim second spot.