CHARLIE Searle is relishing a return to the Ray Mac with AFC Totton for their Boxing Day cracker with Salisbury (2pm) – but reckons his reception from fans will be mixed.

The goalkeeper will be back at Old Sarum for the first time since his unexpected departure in the summer.

Searle, 21, was set to play for Whites on a season-long loan but was recalled by parent club Havant and Waterlooville just days before the new campaign began.

The Westleigh Park outfit didn’t want Searle to feature for the Whites in cup competitions, and consequently get cup tied.

He has since joined league strugglers, Stags, on loan.

“A lot of people may be asking why have you gone to Totton when you could still be playing for Salisbury? Things didn’t work out there and I’m here to play games,” he said.

“I’ve no regrets about leaving. I was always at Salisbury on loan and people need to remember I’ve been at Havant for four years and have come through their academy. However, I really enjoyed my time at Salisbury and the fans were brilliant.

“The club is so welcoming and I was always treated as one of their own.

“I’m looking forward to my return – it might be a mixed reaction.”

Both clubs head into the derby with different prizes at stake.

Salisbury will be buoyed after winning their game in hand in midweek at Paulton Rovers 3-0, a result which took them into the play-off places. It was also a fourth straight victory for the Whites.

As will Totton, who coincidentally beat Paulton on Saturday, a first league victory for new boss Louis Langdown, whose side are eight points clear of the drop zone.

The visitors also boast ex-Whites Jack Vallis (defender) and Ashley Jarvis (striker) in their squad, both of whom are prepared for a homecoming.

Talking about the league clash, Searle said Totton have nothing to lose as they arrive as underdogs.

“It’s like any other game,” added Searle, who joined Whites in January and helped them reach the FA Vase semi-final and lift the Sydenhams Wessex Premier title.

“I’m not under any pressure.

“Salisbury are expected to win comfortably and the pressure is more on them. We’ll just see what happens.”

Steve Claridge’s men will be heading to Salisbury District Hospital today to hand over presents, donated by supporters, to children in the Sarum Ward before training.