NATHANIEL Sherborne is enjoying one of his best ever seasons in AFC Totton blue.

But it’s not just on the field where the long-serving striker is excelling.

Away from football he was recently made director of national partnerships for Carnival UK, having joined the cruise company in 2007 on their commercial graduate scheme.

Unfortunately for Totton, Sherborne’s business commitments mean he is unavailable for Saturday's Southern One South & West trip to Bishop’s Cleeve where the Stags will look to continue a heartening run of eight wins and two draws in their last 12 league matches.

Sherborne scored in last weekend’s 2-1 win over North Leigh, having been chosen to partner Mark Gamble up front.

“It was a big call because we could have put Sherbs into a wide position (to cover for the suspended Mike Gosney), but we put him up top and it worked,” said manager Steve Hollick.

“Sherbs has been excellent this season and is being rewarded with goals. He’s a gem to have around the dressing room.

“He’s kicking himself that he’s missing Saturday, but his work is really picking up and he’s got himself a good promotion.

“Hopefully he’ll get a run of games between now and the end of the season and he’ll end up with 25-plus goals.

“Sherbs is back to his best. He's looking sharp and fit and there’s no psychological hangover from that horrific injury he had (a broken leg in 2012/13). He’s flying into tackles.

“His work will take precedence, but we wouldn’t want to lose him next season. I know how much he enjoys his football.”

Sherborne’s absence opens the door for young Dylan Knight to return to the starting line-up.

“Dylan’s another player we want to keep hold of,” said Hollick. “We’re trying to get a few more players sorted for next season, but it’s getting the budget nailed down. We’re pushing the boundaries a bit because we need to. You end up stagnant if you don’t.

“There will be good teams coming down and good teams coming up. The league's going to be very strong next season.”