BASINGSTOKE Town manager Jason Bristow says he is “excited” by young striker George Hallahan.

The 18-year-old, who is a product of the club’s Academy system, has signed a contract at The Soccer AM Stadium after impressing during pre-season.

Hallahan scored twice in a practice match against Beaconsfield before Town’s pre-season campaign began in earnest and also impressed during a cameo appearance against AFC Wimbledon.

However, he grabbed the headlines during Saturday’s 3-2 win over Reading Under-21s.

The hosts trailed 2-0 heading into the closing stages, but Hallahan played in Liam Enver-Marum to reduce the deficit before scoring twice himself to win the game.

The teenager levelled the scores with an excellent shot from the edge of the area, before putting the hosts ahead with a cool finish.

Bristow said: “I am excited by him and it is great for the club to have a player breaking through from the Academy.

“Being around the squad and involved in games is only going to make him a better player.

"It has been really good to see how he has settled in with the squad and I hope there is more to come.”

Hallahan added: “I’m really happy to sign for my home town club again and so grateful for this big opportunity.

"It feels like my hard work has paid off and it’s a privilege to represent the club."

Hallahan, who scored 25 goals in 16 games for the Acadmey last season, played the full 90 minutes as Town continued their pre-season campaign with a comfortable 4-1 win away at Southern League side Fleet Town on Tuesday.

He didn’t get on the scoresheet but went close in the closing stages, hitting the post.

Town now face two tough home friendly fixtures.

They welcome Vanarama National League side Aldershot Town to The Soccer AM Stadium on Saturday (3pm), before hosting League Two outfit Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Bristow said: “We have picked a really tough pre-season programme this year because we need to hit the ground running when the season starts.

“We will have to be at our best in both games. They will both be good tests, but pre-season is going well and we need to make sure we continue that.

“We will need to make sure that we are on our guard defensively and keep our discipline out of possession.”

Bristow has had a fairly settled squad for the first three pre-season games, but he says he remains in the market for new signings.

He said: “We are always on the lookout for players and have our eyes and ears open at the moment.

"In an ideal world, we would like to add a couple, but we will not rush in.”