Loan star solves stopper crisis

After suffering two reverses on the road in EVO-STIK League Southern's Division One South & West, the Whites romped to a second successive home win on Tuesday night after the highly-rated 18-year-old, pictured, arrived on loan and went straight into Claridge's side for a 4-1 victory over Bishops Cleeve at the Ray Mac.

The 6ft 1in keeper, who signed on an initial month long deal, progressed through Portsmouth’s youth categories and first appeared on the League Two club's bench in March of last year year at the age of 16.

Bass went to make 36 appearances as a substitute and was offered a one-year professional contract in April before making his full debut in a 3-2 defeat at Coventry City in the EFL Cup a week ago.

After losing number one Charlie Searle just days before the big kick-off to the 2016-17 season when he was recalled by Havant & Waterlooville after it was thought he would spend a second season on loan in Wiltshire, Claridge sent his thanks to Pompey who he both played for and managed.

In a statement released by the Whites, he said: "We're grateful to the Portsmouth manager Paul Cook for agreeing this. We welcome Alex to the Ray Mac and look forward to seeing what he can do."

Image courtesy of salisburyfc.co.uk