AFC TOTTON loanee Alfy Whittingham will return to his adopted club as a county champion for Saturday's big Evo-Stik South West visit of Wimborne Town.

The Havant & Waterlooville youngster – son of ex-Pompey marksman Guy – played the first half at St Mary’s on Wednesday as the Hawks overcame Blackfield & Langley 3-0 in the Hampshire FA Senior Cup final.

Having been booked for one over-zealous tackle, he committed another just before half-time and was replaced by Wes Fogden for the second half having received a final warning from the ref.

But playing 45 minutes at a Premier League ground was all part of the learning curve for the gritty 19-year-old who has benefited from splitting his time between an experienced National League South outfit and the youthful exuberance of Totton.

“I learn a lot from Matt Tubbs, James Hayter, Brian Stock and some of the older lads at Havant, whereas at Totton I’m one of five young players who start every week.

"The mix of both is what’s helping me develop as a player,” he said.

“I went on for 40 minutes for Totton on Tuesday (a 1-0 win at Yate) because the gaffer was looking for some more energy.

"My legs felt tired on Wednesday, especially playing the right wing-back role for Havant. Blackfield are clearly a good side and they gave us a tough game.”

Regarding his two tasty challenges, he said: “I got a bit excited and the ref said to me that the next one was going to be it. That’s why I was substituted. But coming off gives me legs for Saturday.”

With Totton parked just outside the play-off zone and Wimborne in third, there is plenty riding on Saturday's Salisbury Road clash.

“After Wimborne, our last game is at Evesham, which should be good,” said Whittingham. “We can still put pressure on teams in and around the play-offs.”

Manager Louis Langdown agreed: “We had five games in ten days and that’s a big ask for anyone but, for us, it’s all about keeping the season alive.

“If we fall short, we fall short, but no one wanted to go into the last two games with nothing to play for.

“Whatever happens, our young lads have had a year’s experience in the Southern League.”

While free-scoring Wimborne marksman Toby Holmes is still gunning for the golden boot, Totton will again be without injured front two Craig Feeney (foot) and Tony Lee (ankle).

“They’re pretty much done for the season,” said Langdown.

“Craig might have a chance if we do sneak into the play-offs, but not Tony. He’s suspended anyway for 15 bookings.”

Salisbury are targeting two wins in their final two home games to get them over the line for the second automatic promotion spot.

They play Didcot tomorrow and Bideford on Tuesday, with both visitors still in the play-off hunt.

Salisbury’s task is being made tougher by continued injury woes with Danny Young, Jake Wannell and Eddie Perrett all likely to be sidelined tomorrow and Luke Hopper due a one-match ban on Tuesday after being red-carded at Swindon Supermarine.

Manager Steve Claridge said: "These are two big games against sides who have something to play for.

"My main worry is the amount of players we have out.  I have to put square pegs in round holes even if I don't like doing it.

"We are still in a good position and have a better goal difference.

"Wimborne go to AFC Totton, who are in the mix, and Bristol are away at leaders Taunton, so they have some hard games coming up, but we know two home wins should get us promoted."