HE is best remembered for his play-off final goal against Sheffield United in May 2009, which fired Burnley into the Premier League.

But last night Wade Elliott was back where it all began at the grassroots of non-League football.

The Southampton-born former Bournemouth midfielder was in the AFC Totton dugout for their 0-0 draw at Larkhall Athletic in the Southern One South & West, evoking memories of his old playing days at Bashley.

A close friend of new Totton boss Louis Langdown, Elliott is still based in the south-west following his time with Bristol City.

He went along to Plain Ham to pass on his knowledge of the opposition and cast an eye over Totton and their new Cherries work experience duo Ben Cooper and Connor York.

“Wade knows Larkhall because he’s from that area and he also knows Stephen Purches (development coach) at Bournemouth and fed Purchy a little post-match report on the two lads," said Langdown.

“He sat on the bench and it was good to have a fresh pair of eyes looking at our shape and giving us some feedback.

“He gave us the lowdown on Larkhall and we were able to pick his brains."

And Langdown laughed: “It’s the first time in 15 years I’ve been able to get Wade a ticket for a game.

"It was always me asking him ‘can you get us a ticket for the United match?' or whatever, and now I’ve got him one - for Larkhall!”

While it was an achievement in itself for third-to-bottom Totton to come away with a clean sheet, Langdown was disappointed not to win.

“We had chances but we don’t seem to be able to put the ball in the net,” he said. “But to go away midweek with a scratch side and keep a clean sheet, we’ll take that.”

More of the same would do nicely away at league leaders Hereford on Saturday.

“Hereford have let in the least goals (11) and we’ve conceded the third most (41),” said the boss.

"But we’ll continue on from last night, looking to keep the ball when we’ve got it and, when we haven’t, all work hard for each other.”

Mike Gosney and Ashley Jarvis sat out the Larkhall game with slight tweaks but should be back available along, perhaps, with Nathaniel Sherborne who has been sidelined with knee trouble.

New midfield loan signing Marley Ridge from Havant & Waterlooville is now eligible to play.