BLACKFIELD & Langley have confirmed the arrival of AFC Totton midfielder Dave Allen.

The Watersiders, second in the Sydenhams Premier Division, have dual-signed the vastly experienced and versatile campaigner from the Southern One South & West club.

Blackfield co-assistant boss Chris Farrell explained: “Dave wasn’t starting games so we spoke to Steve (Hollick, Totton manager).

“We’ve got a fairly young side and we’ve been looking for someone with Dave’s sort of experience for quite a while.

“We’ve signed him just at the right time.

“It’s going to be extremely difficult to rein in Salisbury at the top, in fairness to them they’ve rolled on and on. But the league title’s not over ’til it’s over.”

With Salisbury’s scheduled game at Hamworthy United tonight falling foul of heavy rain – along with all the rest of the Wessex fixtures - Blackfield remain five points behind Steve Claridge’s men having played two games more.

They could narrow that gap by avoiding defeat at fifth-placed Sholing tomorrow (Wednesday), but there must be serious doubts about it being on.

If it does survive the weather, the Watersiders will be without ex-Winchester attacker Dan Cann who picked up a knock on Saturday and is probably out for two weeks.