Fareham aim to continue upward trend at Bashley

Fareham Town are aiming to continue their climb away from danger as they visit Bashley in the Wessex League premier division.
Fareham have been in excellent form in recent weeks. Picture: Habibur RahmanFareham have been in excellent form in recent weeks. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Fareham have been in excellent form in recent weeks. Picture: Habibur Rahman

Since taking over as Reds manager six games ago Pete Stiles has guided them away from the danger zone with a six-game unbeaten run.

He has brought in a number of new faces and restored a winning mentality to the side to the side.

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There is a new confidence running through the squad following four wins and two draws in their six-game unbeaten run.

‘This is another game we are looking forward to,’ said Stiles.

‘We have opened up an eight-point gap between us and the teams immediately below.

‘Another win can take us up to 14th in the league.

‘Considering the team was bottom of the league just after Christmas it is very pleasing.’

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Stiles hopes to include wide midfield player Dan Bennett in the squad for the first time since signing from AFC Portchester.

Bennett has been unavailable up until now.

The visitors are also hoping Ryan Inskip is also available to return.

Michael Birmingham is looking for Horndean to get back to winning ways as they host Brockenhurst at Five Heads Park (7.45pm).

His side lost 3-0 at Sholing, though Birmingham felt they played well enough to get something out of the game.

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‘This is another tough game but it is one we need to win,’ said Birmingham.

‘Brockenhurst are a young enthusiastic side with plenty of pace.

‘They possess a couple of dangerous wide players and like to get the ball from back to front quickly.

‘We have to make sure we are ready to deal with that.

‘I am looking for us to start gelling more as a team.

‘Individually we have been good but haven’t quite got it right collectively.’

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The hosts expect to have Dan Sackman back which will give them a bit more added experience.

Moneyfields host Bemerton Heath Harlequins in the semi-finals of the Russell Cotes Cup at Dover Road.

The hosts are without goalkeeper Steve Mowthorpe and defender Brett Poate who are both cup-tied.

Though winning the Wessex League premier division title remains the priority, home manager Dave Carter is still taking the cups seriously.

‘We will be fielding a strong side,’ said Carter.

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‘It would be nice to be involved in a cup final at the end of the season.

‘We have two opportunities to achieve that because we are also in the semi-finals of the Portsmouth Senior Cup.’

In the Vanarama National League South Gosport Borough are faced with a long midweek trek to Truro City.