JESSE Waller-Lassen made an instant impact on his return to the Team Solent ranks.

The former Tottenham Hotspur youth player has spent three months in America over the summer, but he demonstrated in Saturday’s 2-1 home win over Fawley AFC that his scoring touch is as sharp as ever.

The Southampton Solent University outfit now face a fight to keep hold of their star man with ambitious Sydenhams Premier rivals Blackfield & Langley lodging notice of approach, but it’s nothing manager James Taylor isn’t used to.

“They’re all quick to do that. We’ve had several approaches for Jesse over the last year or so,” he said.

“It doesn’t surprise me when a club with a bit of money tries to nick your best players.

“As a young player, you’re always going to be interested in being paid good money at this level, but it’s not my idea of a good move for him.

“We won’t be waiving the seven days, that’s for sure!”

One thing that may go in Solent’s favour is that Waller-Lassen - who captained them to Sydenhams One/Southampton Senior Cup glory last term - has other University ties, such as coaching the ladies’ team and working with the High Performance Academy.

“The University do as much as they can for him and I hope he stays,” said Taylor.

“If he does move, it should be higher. He’s a better player than the Wessex by a long way.

“There’s no point him going to another Wessex club if he wants to develop. The only reason to go is the money, but that’s up to Jesse.”

All the key action against Fawley was crammed into the closing stages at Test Park.

Waller-Lassen broke the deadlock with five minutes left, Charlie Willett instantly equalised and Solent’s returning hero had the last say two minutes into added time.

It was a much-needed result for Solent who had only won one of their opening six games.

“Obviously having a quality player like Jesse back improves the team, but the other lads raised their game too,” said Taylor. “We weren’t fantastic, but a win’s a win. We deserved it, but Fawley made it hard for us.”

Also back in the Solent side was defender Pip Nolan, who recently left Salisbury.