Big Bridge to cross for Portchester
AFC Portchester is suspended for Nick Howell tonight
AFC Portchester will have to upset the odds at Southern League premier hosts AFC Totton if they are to claim a first-ever Hampshire Senior Cup semi-final place (7.45pm).
A visit to Blue Square South Hawks awaits the victors but the Wessex division one side have been badly hit by unavailability, injury and suspensions.
‘We have up to six key players missing and it is disheartening,’ said boss Glenn Bridgman.
‘It makes life difficult and all we can hope is to go there and give them a good game.
‘We have nothing to lose so can go there and just enjoy the occasion.’
Bridgman is denied the use of three new signings, including goalkeeper Jason Plomer, because they are cup tied. Nick Howell is ruled out by suspension, while Liam Cresswell and Mark Collis are injured.
The manager is also loath to include any reserve team players as that would rule them out of Hampshire Intermediate Cup action.
Moneyfields can consolidate their top-four position in the Wessex premier division by beating visitors Totton & Eling at Dover Road (7.45pm).
‘The players showed their character to beat third-placed GE Hamble with only 10 men at the weekend,’ said manager Miles Rutherford.
‘We have now gone eight games unbeaten and must look to keep our run going.
‘I felt we were the better side, particularly in the first half, and deserved to win.’
Horndean manager Dave Carter is demanding an improved performance from his side as they host Newport IoW at Five Heads Park (7.45pm).
A disappointing 3-1 defeat at New Milton on Saturday deepened relegation woes and Carter knows his side have to start winning games.
‘It was poor and unacceptable at New Milton,’ he said.
‘A lack of quality I can deal with – but not a lack of effort.
‘We are in a relegation scrap and need points to prevent other teams from catching us up.
‘I am looking for a massive improvement and it isn’t worth players being here if they don’t give the effort.’
Horndean hope to have Dan Hayes and goalkeeper Simon Howard back in their squad.
Bottom club Hayling United are under pressure as they visit Alresford Town.
‘Losing against Newport at the weekend means that we have to try to get something from this game,’ said Humbugs manager Steve Paulton.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South
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