NOEL McCarthy-Gardiner made three successful debuts in five days for Brockenhurst.

Last Tuesday he played for Luke Hirst’s under-18s and scored two goals in their 6-3 victory against Ringwood U18s.

Wednesday saw him step up to Paul Nineham’s development squad, along with four other under-18s, netting against Wimborne Town development at Cuthbury in a 2-0 Brock win.

Manager Pat McManus was highly impressed with McCarthy-Gardiner’s performance against Wimborne and had no hesitation in handing him his first-team debut on Saturday against Southern One South & West outfit Winchester City.

The youngster played all 90 minutes in the 1-1 friendly draw which saw Brock's Mark Barker level from the penalty spot after Winchester’s Rudy Plummer had netted against his old club.

It was not all good news for the Badgers, however, as skipper Jake Long suffered an ankle injury midway through the first half and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

The damage was not as bad as feared, but Long's ankle has a grade one strain which will sideline him for four to six weeks.

Craig Feeney hit the bar for City and Micky Hubbard missed a penalty.

Winchester, who included ex-Eastleigh forward/midfielder Jamie Brown in their line-up, entertain Sholing on Wednesday (7.45pm).

Brockenhurst are at home to AFC Totton tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm).