DARREN Manning has called on Bradleigh Rowland to build on his Hullbridge Sports debut.

Rowland came off the bench to make his Sports bow in the 2-1 Isthmian League Cup defeat to Basildon United.

And Manning feels Rowland has the potential to enjoy a bright future in the game.

The Hullbridge boss said: “I gave a debut to Bradleigh and he did well.

“He got 10 minutes in the tank and that was important for him.

“Bradleigh has been training with us over the last few weeks after a spell with Southend Manor and hopefully he can kick on.”

Adebola Sotoyinbo gave Sports a second minute lead from the penalty spot at Basildon.

But goals from Joe Turpin and Kurt Smith, who also converted from 12 yards, allowed the Bees to triumph.

However, Manning insists he was more interested in giving more minutes on the pitch to those who have been unavailable in recent weeks than the result.

Manning added: “Jamal Allen got half an hour in the bank, which was good because he has just come back from injury.

“Luke Hornsley also got time on the pitch after being out of contention with illness.”

Hullbridge are without a fixture this weekend and the players will be bonding off the pitch.

“I don’t think the break necessarily comes at a bad time,” insisted Manning.

“The boys are going out together, so that will be good for team bonding.

“I think team bonding is very important and we want the players to be close on and off the pitch because that bodes well.”