Knees-y does it for Danny as leaders are thrashed
And McManus’ side don’t lose often - indeed, this was only their 12th league defeat in 212 games.
It was the first time Bush had shipped five goals in an HPL game since a 5-0 hammering at another Portsmouth area club, Baffins Milton Rovers, in February 2015 - a day when Lenny Burney fired a hat-trick.
And, as Grant stated, the result ‘laid down a marker’ which suggested Grove have to be considered serious Senior Division title challengers.
Indeed, if they can beat fellow unbeaten side Infinity and Fleetlands in their next two home games - on December 19 and 28 respectively - they would surely be favourites to claim only their second HPL crown.
Grant was part of the Grove squad that won the league and Hampshire Intermediate Cup double in 2017/18.
Back then, James Hird (29 goals), Lane (25, in only 23 games), Alex Miroy (24) and Tommy Woodward (17) were the main attacking threats.
But Grant feels his current squad is the best in the club’s history. ‘The chairman, Wayne Johnson, thinks it’s the best squad we’ve had,’ said Grant.
‘I think it’s a stronger squad than when we won the double, it’s a more complete side. ‘There are also much better teams in the league now.’ Lane - who played for Midhurst & Easbourne in the Southern Combination in 2019/20 - is one of several reasons Grove look a far, far better side than they did last season.
Three others are Zak Willett, Shane Cornish and Tom Doughty.
Willett has added rapid pace to the Grove attack, and has formed a lethal partnership with Lane that has seen both players net 15 HPL goals so far.
‘Zak and Danny are formidable,’ said Grant. ‘If we can stay compact, we will score against anybody. Bush Hill played a high line and you don’t want to do that against Zak and Danny.’
In midfield, former Baffins Milton regular Shane Cornish is a quality performer at county league level, and