SHOLING will hit the road to Tiverton Town tomorrow with a new loan signing on board.

Versatile forward/wideman Lewis Blackmore – a former Wales under-16 international - is included in the squad after a successful midweek reserve team run-out for the Boatmen.

Blackmore’s parent club Gosport Borough only recently signed the former AFC Bournemouth academy winger following his return from a seven-month stint in America. Prior to going to the States, he played for Bashley and Weymouth.

Sholing boss Dave Diaper said: “Lewis can play up front, at the top of a diamond or on the left or right. He’s quite versatile.

“I watched him play for our reserves on Wednesday and he did well. I asked if he could be played up top in the first half and just behind the frontman in the second half. He’s not the biggest, but he’s quite strong and I think he’s a player who will go places.

“We’ve had a mini revival lately, going three games unbeaten, but I spoke to (Gosport boss) Alex Pike just before that and said I needed to freshen things up. Lewis is19 and he really is a lovely lad with a great character.”

Defender TJ Cuthbertson should hopefully return from ankle problems for tomorrow’s Southern One South & West trip, but Pete Castle (quad muscle), Jess Walklin (thigh), Liam Golding (ankle) and Mike Byrne (groin) are still out.

Goalkeeper Rory Anderson has been off work sick and may not make it, but he will be needed to cover next month when Boatmen’s No1 Matt Brown is away in America.

Centre-back Dan Miller is also due to miss four games while on a placement in the United States – starting with tomorrow week’s visit of leaders Merthyr Town to Portsmouth Road.

Sholing would dearly love to beat Tiverton tomorrow – not least to give them a chance of escaping the dreaded 17th spot which they have occupied since November 22.

Tivvy are four points above them in 16th and Diaper joked: “We can either overtake them or lose a few games and go down to 18th for a change!

“We beat Tiverton 1-0 in the FA Trophy at our place in my first game back as manager and then I was away the following week and they beat us 2-1 in the league. It’s quite close between us but, of course, they’ll have home advantage tomorrow.”