Royals aim to bounce back to winning ways

AFC Portchester travel to Portland United on Saturday aiming to avoid any further damage to their Wessex League premier division promotion ambitions.
Mick Catlin. Picture: Keith Woodland.Mick Catlin. Picture: Keith Woodland.
Mick Catlin. Picture: Keith Woodland.

After beating leaders Andover Town last weekend, the Royals slipped up at home against Hamble Club on Tuesday night.

They led twice before falling to a 3-2 defeat.

Joint-manager Mick Catlin wants to see his troops regain the lost ground.

He said: ‘It was disappointing to lose the way we did.

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‘After we went in front a second time our game management wasn’t good enough.

‘We have to dust ourselves down and be prepared to go again.’

Meanwhile, Pete Stiles insists Fareham Town must not let their midweek cup disappointments affect their league form.

The Reds lost their Russell-Cotes Cup semi-final 4-1 to Andover.

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Bashley are the visitors to Cams Alders as the hosts look to get back on the winning track.

Fareham have been in rich form in the league, having lost just once in their past nine fixtures.

Baffins Milton Rovers aim to deliver a second successive home victory when they entertain Brockenhurst at the Kendall Stadium.

Steve Leigh’s side came from behind to beat Newport 2-1 on Tuesday.

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‘To be honest, we should have won in a canter the other night,’ said the Baffins boss.

‘Seven or eight goals wouldn’t have flattered us.

‘We were dominant throughout and battered them.

‘I am looking for us to maintain our level of performance but maybe be a bit braver on the ball, particularly against some of the bigger teams.’

Leigh has six players missing this weekend and reckons it is a good opportunity for others to come in and stake their claim.

Horndean will travel to Lymington Town in buoyant mood after their 5-1 demolition of Team Solent.

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Michael Birmingham wants a similar performance from his troops.

‘Some of the football that we played in the opening 25 minutes was a delight to watch,’ said the Five Heads Park boss.

‘We had fantastic pace and the game was dead and buried very early on.

‘From the off we were up for it and played with a real purpose.

‘We will need to do the same again if we want to do well at Lymington.’