Gosport keen to progress at second time of asking

The Privett Park side were left very unhappy when the first attempt at playing the tie last month was called off at late notice.

The hosts deemed the pitch waterlogged following heavy rain in the area, but by that time a lot of the Borough players had already travelled a long distance to get to the ground.

Manager Alex Pike is keen to see his side progress and not make it another wasted journey.

With his players’ lack of action recently, he is likely to include most if not all of his senior squad.

One player particularly keen to continue impressing the manager is young striker Ollie Bailey.

The 20-year-old was selected ahead of leading goalscorer Warren Bentley in the last game against Margate and created a favourable impression.

Pike believes he has unearthed another gem.

‘I thought young Ollie Bailey up top seized his chance with both hands,’ said Pike.

‘The way he ran the channels that day and got in behind the Margate defenders was excellent.

‘He constantly gave the defenders plenty to think about.

‘From the players’ perspective, he fully deserved his chance after doing everything right.

‘He has been professional in his approach, played development games on Wednesday and still turned up training the next night.

‘As a substitute he has gone on twice for us and set up goals.

‘The time was right to give him a chance.

‘As a manager it is my job to give players the opportunity to play football.

‘What they do with that is down to them and he is making the most of it.

‘He offers us something different.

‘I first saw him at Swindon Supermarine and then he went to Petersfield Town.

‘We signed him from them and loaned him back to them last season.’

Moneyfields manager Dave Carter intends to give his senior players a night off as they host United Services Portsmouth B in the Portsmouth Senior Cup at Dover Road (7.45pm).

‘Some of my players are dead on their feet and I will be giving some of the reserves a chance,’ said Carter.