Stand-in keeper produces stunning save to help Meon Milton extend winning run in the Mid-Solent League

Normally a central midfielder, Beckett donned the gloves for the home clash with FC Strawberry after Meon’s regular keeper was unavailable.

It was a winning debut in between the sticks - Meon extending their run to eight successive league victories with a 3-1 success.

But Beckett’s 75th minute save, with the score at 1-1, was a pivotal moment.

Meon secretary Matt Hickey - a former goalkeeper himself - explained: ‘Connor Mansfield was through and took the ball past Adam.

‘We turned away thinking ‘that’s a goal’ but just as Connor was about to roll the ball in Adam threw himself at it and somehow clawed it away.

‘It was a turning point - five minutes later we scored our second goal.

‘If we’d fallen behind at that stage of the game, we’d probably have lost.’

Striker Barry Jeans gave Meon a first half lead with Mansfield levelling before half-time.

In a tight encounter, Aran Singh - who played for Strawberry last season - restored Meon’s lead late on before Gareth Bailey sealed victory.

Mid-Solent League clubs are allowed ‘rolling subs’ and all five of theirs saw second-half action against Strawberry.

Meon boss Bik Singh started for the first time this season, in place of Beckett in central midfield, but took himself off at half-time.

‘We just need to keep the momentum going,’ said Hickey.

‘We’ve still some got tough games left - we’ve got to play Mob again, Strawberry again, Wymering twice.’