Since signing in the summer of last year, Portsmouth-born Hall, aged 23, has enjoyed a superb season so far between the sticks and his form has been recognised in the shape of an Isthmian League Uhlsport Golden Gloves Awards for December 2023.

Going in to tomorrow’s Isthmian premier division game at home to Chatham Town, the custodian said: “It’s my first honour like this so it’s really nice to hear that news. We had a good December and obviously were unlucky to lose at Lewes on New Year’s Day. We have plenty more games coming up so the goal is to be strong defensively. We need to be solid individually and collectively and see if we can get a run of games that will move us up the table.”

An Isthmian League spokesman confirmed: “On this occasion we’re off to the Sussex coast — indeed, we’re Rocking up in Bognor Regis Town. The Rocks had an unbeaten December, also conceded only three goals, and kept a clean sheet in victory over Horsham. Many congrats to all at the MKM Arena on a fine month, and particular congratulations to keeper Ryan Hall and his superb backline.”

Hall, who has made 24 appearances for the Rocks so far this campaign, enjoyed loan spells at Hayes & Yeading, Dorchester, Beaconsfield and Wimbourne, before leaving the Recreation Ground permanently and switching to the MKM Arena.

Blake said the award was very well deserved and praised Hall for his displays and his continued development. He added: “Ryan’s been great for us since he came and in and we are all very pleased for him to be recognised in this way. And it also says a lot about the way in which we have been defending as a unit and as a team for Ryan to get the award.”

Picture: LYN PHILLIPS