BLACKFIELD & Langley have underscored their league and cup ambition by putting the feelers out for three new signings.

The Watersiders, who fought out a pleasing 2-2 draw at Sydenhams Premier title rivals AFC Portchester on Saturday, have lodged notice of approach for Cowes Sports’ wideman Charlie Smeeton, Team Solent’s promotion-winning skipper Jesse Waller-Lassen and Newport IoW defender Scott Sampson who captained Blackfield to the 2012/13 Wessex title.

Co-assistant boss Chris Farrell said: “We’re doing okay, but that’s the time to strengthen, not when things go wrong.

“Scott captained us when we won the league. Apart from Sam Poole and Joe Byrne, we’ve got no other natural centre-halves in the squad. Scott would give us that and he can also play at full-back.”

With nine-goal striker Dan Munday troubled by shin splints, Blackfield could do with more attacking options – hence the interest in Smeeton and Waller-Lassen.

“We’ve always rated Charlie. He’s a big strong lad and he scores a goal,” said Farrell. “We’ve also put seven days in for Jesse who returned to Team Solent on Saturday and scored twice.”

Farrell and team boss Glenn Howes watched Blackfield’s up-coming FA Cup opponents Wimborne Town on Saturday, leaving assistant Lee Chudy and coach James Ford in charge at Portchester.

Having led through ex-Poole Town under-21 Josh Buck, the Watersiders were pegged back by two quickfire Alex Baldacchino strikes.

Blackfield levelled straight after the break when Miguel Laborda set up Rico Wilson to score and Portchester had to play the last half-hour with ten men after Ash Howes had been sent off.

“By all reports we played well and a draw was a fair result,” said Farrell.