FORMER Chippenham Town goalkeeper Kent Kauppinen showed why Malmesbury Vics boss Kev Bridgeman wants him for the run-in of the season – as an outfield player – in a Tuesday night friendly with Cirencester Town.

A Kauppinen-inspired Vics side went into a 2-0 lead through goals from Sam Parker and Shane Bumphrey before a brace from Cirencester’s Kalum Youngsam restored parity.

Kauppinen won every challenge, showed surprising pace for a big man, and pulled off one audacious nutmeg on the byline before setting up a first-half chance for his side.

He is currently playing between the sticks for Highworth Town, who are challenging for the Hellenic Premier title, but turns out for Chippenham Sunday League football side Somerford FC as a central midfielder.

“Highworth have just eight more league games and we have 16 so Kent said he will come over and play the final matches with us in midfield as we already have a good ‘keeper in Josh Langley,” said Bridgeman.

“Kent plays for one of my assistants, Trevor Rawlings, at Somerford FC and scored a hat-trick from centre midfield at the weekend.”

The FA ruled that Bridgeman was not allowed to play his banned quartet George Peare, Josh Hughes, Tim Bond and Ed Wilkins to aid with their fitness.

"I was told I could only have played them if it was a 'behind-closed-doors' friendly," he said.

Cirencester Town boss Charlie Griffin used the valuable exercise to run the rule over two triallists who have been training with the club, right back Ryan Elliott and midfielder Mason Thompson, while a number of his fringe players and members of the Development Squad were given a chance.

But it was perennial first team substitute Youngsam who caught the eye with his pace, selfless running and eye for a goal. He may yet be sent out on loan to get more game time.