AFC Portchester and Horndean set to ring the changes for Wessex League Cup ‘distraction’

Michael Birmingham could give some of the Horndean under-18s a runout in the Wessex League Cup at AFC Portchester on Tuesday. Picture: Keith Woodland

The Royals lost their opening derby at Fareham Town in disappointing fashion last midweek and are looking to do better in a tournament they won in both 2014/15 and 2017/18.

In contrast, Horndean have made a 100 per cent start to their league campaign - winning all three games and scoring 11 goals - and are early pacesetters at the top of the Wessex Premier.

Both managers, Mick Catlin and Michael Birmingham, have indicated they intend to use the tie as an opportunity to blood new players and experiment.

With the later start to the season due to the pandemic, games are coming thick and fast in both league and cup competitions.

Clubs can't be blamed for trying to share the workload across their squads.

'The League Cup is not high on our list of priorities,' admitted Royals boss Mick Catlin

'It will give us a chance to give a game to players who have not had many minutes so far.

'With the number of games we are having to play in a short space of time, this competition is a bit of a distraction.

'Our FA Vase tie against Bemerton at the weekend and our league games have to take priority.

'It is a chance to have a look at some different players in our squad.

'They can go out and show that they can push for a place in the starting line-up.

'It is going to be a long season and it is vital that we have a competitive squad fighting for places.

'At the same time, we want to get a result if we can.'

Birmingham also admits he intends to use the game as a chance to blood some of his youngsters.

He views it as a tremendous opportunity for some of his youth team players.

'I see it as a chance to run my eye over some of the younger players at our club,' he explained.

'At the weekend I watched my under 18s in action and was greatly impressed.

'Three of them made their debuts in pre-season against Bognor and did extremely well.

'There will be a few more out there in this game, we could possibly include five 16- year-olds.

'The youngsters don't get the chance to play against the likes of AFC Portchester under lights very often.

'They won't freeze and will be brave looking to get on the ball.

'There will be no pressure on them, in many ways it is a free game.

'All I will say to them is go out, express yourselves and show what good players you are.'

The winners of the first round tie will be away to Wessex Premier rivals Amesbury in the next round.