CALLUM Davies drew on all his powers of recovery to make his Southern League debut for AFC Totton – just minutes after he had finished playing in the Wessex League for New Milton.
The 19-year-old defender had an eventful Easter Monday when he lined up for both clubs during an energy-sapping five hours in the New Forest.
Firstly, Davies was on duty for New Milton in their noon kick-off against Moneyfields at Fawcett’s Field, the teenager playing the full 90 minutes in Linnets’ 2-1 defeat.
Davies, who is dual registered with New Milton, then raced off to Bashley’s Recreation Ground where he was due to be on the bench for AFC Totton.
However, after team-mate Charlie Knight had been injured during the warm-up, Totton boss Stuart Ritchie turned to Davies just minutes before the 3pm start.
Substituted midway through the second-half, Davies – clutching a deserved protein drink – looked on from the bench as Totton staged a remarkable comeback from 4-1 down to draw 4-4.
Davies, who is training to be a sports coach, told the Daily Echo: “I was knackered afterwards but the adrenalin got me through. I felt fine during the game at Bashley and my legs only started to go once I had come off.
“Fortunately, Bashley’s ground isn’t far from New Milton so I had a quick shower and got changed before I arrived. I let the manager know how long I had played at New Milton and was named on the bench. I got called up to start after Charlie had been injured in the warm-up.
“I was excited and just tried to focus on the game. I was determined to try my hardest and to not let anybody down. It was a big opportunity for me and I needed to show I can fit in at that level. I felt I put in a solid performance and really enjoyed it.”
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