‘There’s no expectations on us – that makes us dangerous’ – Baffins boss Danny Thompson ahead of midweek Portsea Island derby with Moneyfields

The two clubs lock horns at the PMC Stadium on Wednesday in a Wessex League Premier fixture (7.45pm).

Last season the corresponding fixture attracted a crowd of 503 - Baffins’ highest home attendance of all time.

And officials are hopeful of another bumper crowd due to the fact it has been moved back 24 hours to avoid clashing with Pompey v Oxford.

Baffins will be without striker Kelvin Robinson, who starts a three-game ban for a recent red card at Shaftesbury.

His absence will be felt more keenly than ever, as skipper Jason Parish is a huge doubt due to injury.

Elsewhere, midfielder Brad Gale could be out until Christmas. He is currently awaiting an MRI scan on a knee injury, and is wearing a protective brace.

Baffins are currently three points behind their Portsmouth rivals, but a 1-0 win would take them above Moneys by virtue of having scored more goals.

Rovers boss Danny Thompson admits there is more pressure on Glenn Turnbull and his Moneys squad than on his own this term.

‘Their expectations are a bit different to ours,’ he told The News. ‘There’s no expectation on us to get in the top three or four - Moneyfields’ expectations will be to get a top four finish.

‘But that makes us dangerous, because there’s no expectations. We’ll turn up and give it our best shot.’

Baffins’ ‘best shot’ has already been good enough to claim cup wins over Horndean (FA Cup) and AFC Portchester (Wessex League Cup) this season – keeping a clean sheet on both occasions.

‘Kelvin will be a big loss, he’s been brilliant for us, especially with no Jason as well,’ said Thompson. ‘But it gives other players a chance.’

Baffins completed the double over Moneys last season - the only two occasions the two clubs have ever met in league combat.

Rovers claimed an early-season 2-0 home win before coming from 0-2 down to win 3-2 at Dover Road in early January.

Baffins’ match-winner that day was midfielder Harry Sargeant, who could be lining up in the Moneyfields XI on Wednesday.

Both sides have been in good form lately. Only an injury-time leveller at Christchurch stopped Moneys from winning their last four away league games - though all four opponents are currently in the bottom six - while Baffins’ run of seven wins in an eight-game undefeated league and cup run was ended in a 3-1 loss at Shaftesbury last time out.