Lee Wort can’t wait to challenge himself in the Vanarama Conference South after signing for Gosport Borough.

Following an unsuccessful two week trial at Accrington Stanley, the 22-year-old Sholing ace, who scored more than 50 goals as the Boatmen won the Sydenhams Premier Division and the FA Vase last term, returned to the south coast and was immediately invited to join Alex Pike’s team.

Successful discussions led to Wort signing a one year deal at Privett Park, meaning he’ll be leaving the Silverlake Arena after coming through their youth ranks.

The striker said: “I knew Gosport were interest when I was in Accrington and I made the journey back immediately to have talks when my trial finished.

“I can’t wait to get started. I’ve never played at this level before and it’s the perfect new challenge for me.

“I still have hopes of playing in the football league -- I’ve just got to keep working hard.”

Accies manager and ex-Saints star James Beattie has promised to keep monitoring Wort’s progress.

“Beattie told me that they weren’t in a position to offer me a contract,” Wort said.

“He said he knew I hadn’t been coached at a higher level.

“The whole experience has made me hungrier.

“It was brilliant experience and I hope to be back at that level at some point.”

Sholing were certainly missing their prolific hit-man on Saturday after drawing 0-0 at Shortwood United in their Southern League South & West Division opener on Saturday.

As a farewell to the club Wort and fellow former Boatman and Gosport new-boy Mike Carter will be at their Portsmouth Road ground on Wednesday night (7.45) as Dave Fear and Mick Marsh’s side welcome North Leigh in their first home match of the campaign.

They will be there to thank the fans and hand out the man-of-the-match award.

“I will always have the connection with Sholing,” said Wort.

“I’m looking forward to saying thank you on Wednesday.

“I will always have mates at Sholing and my younger brother Ryan is there, so my connection is still strong.”

Wort will be in training with Gosport tonight and will hope to impress in the hope of getting the squad to face Wealdstone at home on Saturday.