EASTLEIGH’S head of youth Lee Peacock is ready to don his boots again.

The 40-year-old former Manchester City, Bristol City and Swindon Town striker has signed playing forms for Graham Rix’s Sydenhams Premier Division side AFC Portchester.

Peacock was unavailable on Saturday as the Royals were rocked by a last-minute Team Solent winner in a 2-1 defeat at Test Park.

Alex Baldacchino had put Portchester ahead, but Tobi Adekunle hit back for James Taylor’s FA Vase last-16 heroes shortly before half-time.

It remained 1-1 until a late special from Solent’s Tyrell Mitford settled it. The former QPR youngster thumped the ball into the top corner from 30 yards for his 17th goal of the season.

Portchester boss Rix feels super-fit veteran striker Peacock, who last year cycled 1,200km around France in aid of a cancer charity, will provide useful cover for the Royals with Jason Parrish currently injured and Navy man Andy Todd not always available.

“Lee can come in and do a job for us holding the frontline,” he said.

The result left fifth-placed Portchester just a point ahead of James Taylor’s Southampton Solent University side who have a game in hand.

South Shields, who visit Solent in the FA Vase fifth round on Saturday week (January 28, 3pm), had their Northern League Division One fixture against Marske United postponed due to ongoing floodlight problems at their Mariners Park home.