WARREN Bentley is staying in the National League South following his exit from Gosport Borough.

The 26-year-old former Alresford Town and Winchester City 'golden boot' winner has been snapped up by Borough’s divisional rivals Hungerford Town.

Bentley, a physical education teacher at Sholing Technology College, joined Gosport on a two-year deal last summer having scored a phenomenal 113 goals in two seasons at Winchester.

The Southern One South & West club had kept close tabs on the little maestro since it became apparent he would not play again for Gosport amid the club’s recent financial upheavals.

Winchester's director of football Dave Malone confirmed earlier this month that they had put an offer on the table to both Gosport and Bentley.

But, deep down, City always suspected that the talented striker would end up staying in a higher league if a suitable club came along.

He leaves Gosport as their leading scorer this season with 14 goals in 27 appearances.

Bentley is the fourth player to part company with Gosport in the last four days, following TJ Cuthbertson (now Sholing), Mike Carter (now Havant & Waterlooville) and Brett Poate out of the Aerial Direct Stadium.

Hungerford boss Bobby Wilkinson had been chasing Bentley for five years, dating back to the striker’s Alresford days.

He professed himself “overjoyed” to have finally got his man, stating: “It’s a hell of a signing for this club.”

Weather permitting, Bentley is due to go straight into the squad for tonight’s (Monday’s) home match against Whitehawk.