Awesome Alfie Is Reaping Reward Of His Loan Adventure

The forward wasn’t getting a look in at Havant & Waterlooville in the first few months of the season so spent some time with Eastbourne Borough.

He quickly found his scoring touch in the National League South. So much so that he was recalled by his parent club within a few weeks.

That was on October 28. Since then he has scored eight times and now has his eyes on the Golden Boot award.

Rutherford scored both goals as the Hawks beat Braintree Town 2-1 on Saturday - including a last-gasp winner.

The forward told us that it may not be happening at all if he didn’t get away for a few weeks.

“It was critical for me,” the forward said after his two-goal heroics on Saturday.

“I would say the loan spell made me a lot sharper and fitter and has give me that extra boost during games.

“It helped with Jamie Howell as the manager as I have played with him and know how he plays, and I know I can score goals.

“I can’t thank Eastbourne enough for the opportunity they gave me.

“If you are struggling to get in your team then 100 per cent for fitness and for confidence it’s a great thing to do.”

Havant’s fourth win in a row has fired them away from immediate danger at the bottom.

“It was a really good performance on Saturday. it was a very hardworking one,” he added

“All the lads dug in for each other and it proved in the end.”