Plus details of Tuesday night’s CITYLIVE coverage

SAINTS boss Steve Castle expressed his delight at seeing the team get their Sol back.

Talented midfielder Sol Shields made his first league appearance after 11 months on the sidelines with a ruptured Achilles as a second half substitute in the club’s 2-0 win over Basingstoke Town to give the club a timely boost ahead of a busy period.

The midfielder was immediately involved in the action at Basingstoke, releasing Inih Effiong with a defence splitting pass to provide Pete Smith with City’s second goal leaving boss Castle full of praise for his returning midfield man.

“I’ve got so much respect for Sol as a player coming back from with no help, no financial help what so ever, and to come back as sharp as he has from some such a serious injury,” the City boss said afterwards.

“He’s desperate to play and I wanted to give him minutes. None of the substitutions were a reflection on performance. I think James Fisher had his best game for a long, long while as has Adam Martin who has had a real horrific week in regards to burying his dad but his attitude has been absolutely superb.

“We’re going to be thin on the ground in regards to players but I think Solomon’s a great addition.”

Castle described Saturday’s victory in Hampshire as “very satisfying” and he felt his side were full value for the three points.

He said: “It was a very satisfying victory. They’ve had two or three recent results, turning over Woking and Bromley, so it wasn’t going to be easy. They had one or two chances and we rode a little bit of luck but I think we thoroughly deserved the win.”

The games are coming thick and fast for the Saints who are back in action tonight (Tuesday) at home to Eastleigh.

The Spitfires are currently eighth in the Blue Square Bet South league table just a point off the play-off places and will provide Castle’s fast-improving side with another stern test.

Pelayo Gomez picked up an ankle injury at The Camrose on Saturday making him a doubt for the Eastleigh game but Solomon Shields’ impressive return to action could see him pushing for a starting place.

For those of you who are unable to make it to Clarence Park tonight, you can keep up to date with the action via our CITYLIVE service. Updates will begin at around 7.30pm.