FORMER Cherries trainee Tom Hill has expressed surprise and delight at his smooth transition into senior football with Bashley.

Hill is building a reputation for himself in the Southern League ranks after being released from Dean Court last summer.

The 19-year-old midfield maestro, an ever present this term for Steve Riley’s side, has quickly established himself as a major player for the New Forest outfit.

A former Priestlands schoolboy, Hill spent 10 years with Cherries before linking up with Bash at the start of this season.

He revealed he expected to take time to settle into men’s football but has bagged 10 goals already and appeared in all 37 of the club’s competitive matches.

Hill, who reached double figures with a strike in the draw against Tiverton last week and helped Bash defeat Premier Division leaders Truro City on Saturday, puts his success down to playing in a more advanced role.

He is set to continue in that position when Bash entertain Banbury United at the Recreation Ground tonight (7.45pm).

Hill told the Echo: “I’ve scored more goals this season than I think I have in the past three put together.

“I’m playing in a different position now, behind the striker, and I’m loving it.

“When I was a youngster, I played up front, and then I moved back into central midfield. I’m playing more behind the striker now and I much prefer it.”

The Lymington-based playmaker added: “At the start of the season, I just wanted to make the squad. Then at the end of the season, I could look to get in the starting line-up.

“Starting in the team from the beginning of the season and getting as many goals as I have has been almost like a dream come true.

“I’m quite surprised at how well I have done because it is my first season in men’s football and I didn’t know what to expect.”

Bash boss Riley reported no fresh injury concerns following the impressive 2-1 success over Truro at the weekend and is eyeing a second consecutive win against Banbury.

He said: “If we perform tonight like we did on Saturday, back-to-back wins would be fantastic.”

Bash: (from) Elm, Smith, Oliver, Middleton, Whitley, Knowles, T Hill, Mason, Allen, Gamble, Murray, Ferrett, Collins, Brookes, Riley, Prodomo.