AFC Portchester boss Catlin aiming to ensure there’s no repeat of last season’s early struggles

New AFC Portchester defender Luke Dempsey (stripes) in action during his Wessex League career at Hayling United. Pic Mick Young

The Royals comfortably disposed of Sandhurst Town 4-0 in their extra preliminary round tie in midweek.

Catlin insists a good start in the league can be vital and is determined to avoid their struggles at the start of 2019/20.

'We were far too inconsistent at the start of last season and ended up playing catch-up,' said Catlin, whose side lost to Cowes and Alresford in their first three Wessex outings.

The Royals only kept four clean sheets in their first 24 league and cup matches last term.

'I didn't have the squad I wanted and a couple of bad signings didn't help,’ Catlin recalled.

'It took until November for me to get the right players in.

'Defensively we conceded far too many goals but hopefully we have taken steps to make sure that doesn't happen again.'

The Royals looked solid at the back in the FA Cup tie with debut-making centre half Luke Dempsey, one of a handful of summer signings from Alresford, particularly impressive.

In the opening 25 minutes, when Sandhurst were at their most threatening, Dempsey stood firm.

He made a couple of crucial headers in front of goal to keep the visitors out and played a big part in achieving a clean sheet.

Two other new faces up front, Lee Wort and Craig Harding, showed they will be a handful for defences this season.

Harding grabbed a brace and Wort, though goalless, got into a number of good goal-scoring positions.

The manner of the FA Cup win was pleasing but the Royals didn't escape unscathed.

Both Josh Hanratty and Toby Adekunle are ruled out of the Fleet game after picking up injuries on Tuesday.

Hanratty was stretchered off with a badly cut eye just before half-time and Adekunle has a hamstring problem.

Catlin, though, is boosted by the returnof club captain Steve Ramsey from suspension.

Ironically, Ramsey was sent off in the 2-2 draw at Fleet Town just before last season was brought to a premature end.

'Having Steve with all his experience and being club captain will make a big difference,' said Catlin.

Attacking midfielder Oscar Johnson is also available after returning from trials in Sweden, but striker Jason Parish and midfielder Ethan Robb have joined Bognor Regis.

'Games against Fleet are always competitive affairs,' said Catlin.

'I am expecting this one to be no different.'