TEAM Solent have gathered strength just in the nick of time as their FA Vase quest continues away at Bristol-based Hallen on Saturday.

The first month of the season proved a tough slog for the Southampton Solent University side while they waited for their student contingent to return to the city.

But, with star man Jesse Waller-Lassen now back in town and several new faces in situ, Solent boss James Taylor is happy with how his Sydenhams side is taking shape and admitted: “I’ll be interested to see how far we can go with a full squad.”

Solent travel to Western Premier strugglers Hallen boosted by three straight victories.

Having seen off Wessex One outfit Hythe & Dibden 2-1 in the Vase, they have twice beaten Horndean in league and cup.

Silvano Obeng, a product of Kettering Town’s under-21s, scored the opener last Saturday as Solent belatedly registered their second league win of the season 2-1 against the Deans.

Two other new faces – Giovanni Landu and Bradley Banda – were both involved and another couple of new recruits – Tyler Roche and George Butler - were due at training this week.

Like 20-year-old Obeng, all Solent’s new boys come with higher league pedigree.

Landu, a central midfielder/striker, was awarded a two-year scholarship at League One outfit Bradford City, while goalkeeper Banda, 18, is a Gibraltar under-19 international with UEFA European Under-17 Championship experience behind him.

“Bradley started on Saturday and looks a very good goalkeeper,” said Taylor.

“It’s a position we’ve had a few problems with, but Bradley’s a good size at around 6ft and looks very capable.

“Giovanni was at Bradford last year. I was told he was a central midfielder, but he says he prefers playing as a forward. He likes that No10 role that they all want to play these days.”

Wide man Roche is another potential gem, having served his apprenticeship with Championship outfit Cardiff City. In 2014 he was one of six Cardiff academy players offered a professional contract. He went on to play for the development squad but was released in May.

Defender/midfielder Butler also comes from good stock, schooled in QPR's academy/under-21 set-up.

“It’s been difficult waiting for the players to arrive, but we’ve done alright considering they’ve crammed so many games in at the start of the season,” said Taylor. “That’s sensible, but it’s not been great for us without our strongest side.”