BASINGSTOKE Town manager Jason Bristow says that key defender Ross Adams is close to fitness after overcoming a knee injury.

The centre-back, above, last played in Town’s 3-1 win over Billericay back in September but he has returned to training and could make his comeback in Tuesday night’s Hampshire Senior Cup trip to GE Hamble.

Bristow said: “Ross is nearing fitness and we are due to have a training match against Hartley Wintney, which we hope he will be able to play some part in. That will give us a chance to assess where he is at.

“I think we have missed Ross massively. He started the season really well and if there is a better centre-back in our league, I am yet to see him. It will be a massive boost to have him back fit.”

Adams’ return means that youngster Douglas Berqvist has gone back to Aldershot Town following a loan spell at the Camrose.

“Doug did well in the last two games he played for us,” Bristow said. “He was finding his feet in the first few but we are grateful to Aldershot for loaning him to us and it is a good link to have for the future.”