Moneys welcome back driving force

Woodward missed the 2-2 draw at Newport IOW in midweek because he was taking his driving test the next day.

The move paid off as Woodward was able to ditch the ‘L’ plates after passing the test.

But as a result of dropping two points at St Georges Park, the city club have had their lead at the top cut to just one point.

‘Now we have got ourselves in front at the top we need to make sure that we stay there,’ said Carter.

‘It is good to have Dan back because he has already scored four goals for us this season.

‘At Newport, a few of the players looked a little leggy and we were guilty of making some silly mistakes.

‘We will need to be on our game against Bemerton because they are always an awkward team to play against.’

Carter hopes to have central midfielder Lewis Fennemore back in contention following a back injury.

Michael Birmingham wants Horndean to be more ruthless as they welcome Lymington Town to Five Heads Park (3pm).

The home side are in good form and picked up an excellent point in a 1-1 draw at Alresford Town.

Birmingham said: ‘It was an excellent game at Alresford, played at a good tempo.

‘At times we played some great football and stretched them.

‘Our weakness at the moment is not killing teams off when we get the chance but then that happens with a young side.’

The hosts expect to be without Charlie Walker who picked up a knock in midweek.

AFC Portchester continue their bid to play catch-up on the leading teams against Amesbury Town at the Blanchard Wells Stadium.

Recent cup disappointments means that the Royals can focus on improving their league position.

‘We must look to win our home games,’ said Royals assistant manager Steve Johnson.

‘If we apply ourselves like we did at Sholing in the 3-3 draw then we should be okay.

‘We have to try to achieve greater consistency though that isn’t easy with the number of injuries we have.’

Gary Moody is ruled out after picking up an ankle injury.

Fareham Town manager Steve Stone is struggling again to get a side together for the game against Bashley at Cams Alders (3pm).

The Reds sneaked a 2-1 win at Whitchurch United in midweek but lost the services of Liam Kimber with an ankle injury.

Stone said: ‘At the moment it is vital we keep picking up points.

‘If we ever get our full squad together then there is no way we will be at the bottom end of the league.’

In division one, Baffins Milton Rovers entertain Romsey Town at the Kendalls Stadium (3pm).

United Services Portsmouth make the trip to face AFC Stoneham.