SHOLING’S double award-winning defender TJ Cuthbertson is stepping up into the National League (Conference) South with Gosport Borough.

The 25-year-old was one of the shining lights of a tough Southern One South & West campaign for the Boatmen, picking up the manager’s and players’ player-of-the-year prizes.

A former Portsmouth trainee, he caught the eye of Gosport boss Alex Pike playing against Borough in the Hampshire FA Senior Cup final at Fratton Park.

He will be given the chance to prove himself at Privett Park alongside fellow ex-Sholing pair Mike Carter and Lee Wort.

Cuthbertson has collected three Wessex title medals with Winchester City, Blackfield & Langley and Sholing and, with the Boatmen heading back to the Sydenhams Premier ranks next season, he and manager Dave Diaper believe it’s time for him to prove himself higher up the pyramid.

“We both felt it was in his best interests to see if he can make that jump and I’m sure he can because he’s a good player and a good lad,” said Diaper.

“He’s had plenty of offers from Southern League and Wessex clubs, but Sholing are his first love and he said he’d never leave us unless it was to progress. He’s 25 and he wants to push on.”