Horndean boss delivers warning shot to Blackfield

Birmingham remains typically bullish despite missing a number of key players.

He insists his depleted side will go out and give it everything they have got.

‘We have shown a lot of spirit all season and there is no way my players will throw in the towel,’ said the Horndean manager.

‘If a team wants to beat us they have to work hard for it.

‘We won’t roll over and give up for anyone.

‘At the moment we are on a good little run and the players are working exceptionally hard.

‘It is no good just doing that for four or five games, we must look to keep it going.

‘Unfortunately we are missing a number of players but it gives some others the chance to come in and claim the shirt.

‘We will have a game plan to take Blackfield on and they will know they have been in a game, whatever the result.

‘One idea is to steal all their money so they can’t pay their players!’

The home side are without Jack Warren and Robbie Tambling, due to injury, Luke Heard and Ian Humble to holiday and Charlie Walker who is unavailable.

Moneyfields host top-six rivals Bashley at Dover Road, looking to strengthen their position at the top (3pm).

The home side are still without the services of suspended strikers Gary Austin and Steve Hutchings.

AFC Portchester are looking to avoid a third successive league defeat as they travel to Bemerton Heath Harlequins (3pm).

Manager Graham Rix admits his plans have been decimated by injury and suspension.

‘We are down to the barebones,’ said Rix.

‘If you take into account all the games we have in hand we are not too far away.

‘Things have not been running for us, though, and we need to start winning games.

‘We have had to throw a lot of the youngsters in and in the long term that will pay dividends.’

Rix hopes to have midfield duo Steve Ramsey and Joe Bye back in contention.

Nathan Kirby remains a doubt after picking up a knock in the 3-2 home defeat against Newport IW.

Steve Stone expects another brave performance from Fareham Town as they visit Lymington Town (3pm).

The Reds did well in midweek to hold league-leaders Moneyfields to a single goal.

‘I was proud of my players,’ said Reds boss Stone.

‘The loyalty, effort and commitment they are showing is second to none.

‘We just lacked the necessary cutting edge up front.

‘It will be the same again with a couple of players missing because of holiday and injury.’