MANAGER Pat McManus liked what he saw from his newly constructed Brockenhurst side in their Sydenhams Premier Division goalless opener with title hopefuls Salisbury at Grigg Lane.

McManus has rebuilt the Badgers’ backroom and playing staff, with just four of last term’s team returning after a summer of change at the New Forest outfit, who travel to Hamworthy United tomorrow (7.45pm).

With a new chairman in place, McManus, who temporarily quit the club in June after being told he’d have no budget to work with, has been at full tilt piecing together a team, with more arrivals expected soon.

McManus, who was joined by new assistant manager Richard Morse and coach Glyn Cherrett in the dugout on Saturday, was "pleased" with how things went against Steve Claridge’s Whites.

"It was a good result,” McManus said. “We had a game plan and we stuck to it – it was very disciplined.

"They had the majority of possession but, considering how disjointed our pre-season has been – I hadn’t got this 11 together until Friday – I’m pleased with how it went.

"We’ve got a good blend of youth and experience."

With Mark Barker and Kabba Jack the only returnees to start against Salisbury there were nine debutants, including ex-Folland Sports contingent Ryan Long, Ian Calder, and Cory Cherrett.

Ex-Sholing men Jude Nwachukwu and Elliot Richards as well as Toby Cuss and Richie Hayter made their bows too and new goalkeeper Callum Maher received man-of-the-match for his performance.

Brock had one cleared off the line as Jack took advantage of a mix-up between Whites stopper Gareth Barfoot and Callum Hart, while Maher pulled off a remarkable save from Kane O’Keefe’s effort.

Claridge admitted post-match that Grigg Lane was a “difficult place” to come, but his side should have won.

"Steve Claridge won’t be happy with the end product,” said McManus. "They certainly didn’t get a free ride and we showed our endeavour."

Claridge said: "This is no excuse but the pitch made it difficult to play.

"In spite of what has been said, we have only had these players together for the pre-season.

"All credit to Brockenhurst, but we have created a plethora of chances and not been able to take them. It showed that we had two centre forwards out, but we ought to have had the quality.

"At times our decision making was absolutely shocking, but all in all, this was a difficult place to come and try to play football. We should have won the game."