Baffins ‘fringe’ players won’t be judged on trip to Wessex League Premier Division leaders Alresford

Weather permitting, Baffins will stage their home game against the same opponents at the end of this month.

Baffins manager Steve Leigh feels it is a sensible compromise.

'There is no way the game would be able to go ahead at our ground at the moment,' said Leigh.

'Both teams want to get the game played and we appreciate the co-operation of Alresford and their manager.

'Alresford have been top of the league most of the season so it is going to be a tough assignment for us.

'We know what to expect.

'For us it is an opportunity for some of our fringe players to get involved because we are without five or six regulars.

'There is no pressure on the players coming in.

'They will get the chance to show what they have got.

'As long as they are prepared to work hard, they won't be judged on one performance.

'We are mid-table and it has been a frustrating season for us.

'Because of the weather it has been stop-start with the emphasis mainly on stop.

'It has prevented us from getting any continuity.

'When we have been able to play recently, we have done well with wins against Hamble Club and Brockenhurst.

'We should also have beaten AFC Stoneham (in the Wessex League Cup) but got punished for making mistakes.'

Baffins have already enjoyed success against Alresford this season, having knocked them out of the FA Cup.

They drew at Arlebury Park and then won the replay.

The visitors expect to give a debut to Dolapo Oladipupo who has impressed in the reserve team.

It is the start of a hectic schedule for Baffins who are scheduled to play six games in the next two weeks.

They still have 16 league games to play between now and April 25.

'The closing stages are going to be a big ask,' said Leigh.

'We have known for a while that it has been coming.'

Baffins face another two away games this week.

They have a derby at Fareham on Thursday and go to Tadley Calleva two days later.