Reds and Moneys keen to get back to winning ways

The Reds suffered a 6-3 defeat at Hamworthy in their last game, while the visitors have lost their past two league games.

Home boss Steve Stone admits it is a constant battle to try to get his best side out at his cash-strapped club.

There was further evidence of this last week when defender Callum Laycock departed for Moneyfields.

He is expected to line up against his ex-team-mates in tonight’s game.

‘We have no budget to attract or keep players,’ said Stone.

‘Having said that, when I first took over we only had eight players and six of them are still here.

‘When you are not paying players then the football isn’t always their priority.

‘We have players who cannot play at weekends because they are working.

‘I have had offers to go elsewhere but I believe that this club is a sleeping giant.

‘At the moment we have a two-man committee and a three-man coaching staff. Once we get more off-field support then this club can progress.

‘Every week we are forced to make at least four or five changes to the team and that doesn’t help trying to achieve any consistency.

‘At Moneyfields they have been hit badly by injury and suspensions so they have been able to go out and get new players in.

‘We don’t have that luxury.

‘If I can ever get anywhere near my strongest team out, though, we can be a match for anyone in our league.’

Despite their problems, Fareham have still managed to pick up some excellent results and sit 11th in the league table.

Moneyfields manager Dave Carter is keen to see his side get their title bid back on track, after a 3-0 defeat at Portland United on Saturday.

‘Every team has a blip and we are having ours at the moment,’ said Carter.

‘We need to get back to winning ways.

‘Hopefully, we will have a few players back, although a number are still injured or suspended.’

Gary Austin and Steve Hutchings are still ruled out by suspension but Dan Woodward returns from a ban.

Carter also hopes to have injured pair Alex Shephard and Louie Martin back in contention.

AFC Portchester are another side looking to regain their winning touch after their defeat at Lymington Town.

The Royals host Newport IOW at their Blanchard Wells Stadium (7.45pm).

Manager Graham Rix admitted his team needs to bounce back from their New Forest disappointment.

‘We need to get on a run and discover greater consistency,’ said Rix.

The home side are without suspended pair Joe Bye and Steve Ramsey.

Michael Birmingham has got Horndean playing well and they will feel confident ahead of their visit to Andover Town (7.45pm).