Hampton & Richmond Borough striker Dave Tarpey may be hitting the headlines at Walton & Hersham, but boss Alan Devonshire has revealed he doesn’t need to read about his exploits in the newspapers.

The 20-year-old, on-loan at Stompond Lane, hit an extra-time equaliser for the Swans as they edged past Whitsable Town on penalties to reach the FA Trophy second qualifying round on Tuesday night.

It was his 11th goal in six games since his temporary switch to the Ryman League Division One South play-off contenders and gave Devonshire another reminder of his talents.

But the Beveree chief insists he already knows what the former Basingstoke Town youngster is capable of and concedes his return to the club is going to give him the sort of selection headache he relishes.

“Dave is sharp, has good technique and is a very good footballer. We like him a lot and that is why we brought him in, but coming off the bench for 10 minutes here and there wasn’t good for him,” he said.

“The idea has been to get him out on loan at a decent level to get him fit and firing, while at the same time help another team out. He has done that,.

“I speak to him all the time. He usually texts me straight after each game to let me know how he’s got on. He only told me they went through on penalties, so he must have been tired.

“He’s given me something to think about, but I’d rather have 20 players firing on cylinders than not. It is up to them to earn their spot.”

Hampton continued their recent revival with a 3-0 win over Weymouth on Saturday, to extend their current unbeaten run to four games after a miserable September.

Ashley Smith got his first goal for the club and Craig Dundas’ late strike capped a fine afternoon for the Beavers, but it was defender Craig Tanner’s 70th minute effort that caught the eye - for very different reasons.

The former Sutton United full-back broke his leg at AFC Wimbledon nearly 12 months ago and Devonshire admitted his was a welcome return to the scoresheet.

“Craig has had a long way to come back, but has got better and better and I’m absolutely delighted for him. He is a very important player for us,” he added.

Orlando Jeffrey (muscle spasm) and Jamie Collins (knee) were forced to sit it out Saturday’s win, but are expected to be fit for this weekend’s FA Cup clash with Ryman League Premier Division side Aveley.

“They have got some pace about them and this is a big, big game for them. We’ve got make sure we are on our game and don’t even think about the next round until we get through this,” said Devonshire.

Hampton’s next three games: Oct 10 Aveley (FA Cup, h), 17 Worcester City (h), 24 Welling United (a).