Baffins Milton Rovers to put out 'strong squad' as they aim to build much-needed momentum in Portsmouth Senior Cup at Paulsgrove

Baffins Milton Rovers will put out a ‘strong side’ as they bid to reach the Portsmouth Senior Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.
Baffins boss Steve Leigh. Picture: Chris MoorhouseBaffins boss Steve Leigh. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Baffins boss Steve Leigh. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

Baffins boss Steve Leigh is expecting an ‘extremely tough’ last-eight tie at two-divisions lower Hampshire League Premier Division high-fliers Paulsgrove.

However, the Rovers manager sees it as an ideal opportunity for his troops to build some much-needed momentum and continue their quest for silverware this season.

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The poor recent weather has blighted the past couple of months for Leigh’s men.

Baffins have played just four matches since being beaten 3-0 at Bashley in the Wessex League Premier Division on November 23.

In the games that have followed, Rovers have lost all three and are aiming to address their recent slide.

But Leigh sees the clash at Paulgrove as the perfect chance to pick up a first victory in more than two months.

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Although, the Baffins boss is wary of threat the Hampshire League Premier Division outfit will pose.

‘We just want to get some momentum back,’ said Leigh.

‘The players are starting to find their feet again.

‘It’s almost like going back to the start of the season because the players need game time and to get match sharpness.

‘This game is going to be good for us.

‘We want to get back on the winning track.

‘I know it’s going to be an extremely tough game.

‘Paulsgrove are going to work their socks off and they’re decent side.

‘If we don’t match that them we are not going to find ourselves in the semi-finals, but Paulsgrove will.

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‘This is an ideal opportunity to go out there, perform and to work our socks off.

‘I will have a strong squad out there.’

Leigh believes the winner of the tie could have a great chance to go on and make a real impression in the competition this season.

Southern League sides Gosport and Moneyfields meet in another quarter-final, while US Portsmouth, US Portsmouth Reserves, Fareham Town and Hordean remain in the Portsmouth Senior Cup.

But the Baffins boss sees no reason why his team could not go all the way this season.

‘Whatever happens, whether it’s us or Paulsgrove who get through, you’re in for a tough draw but there is an opportunity there.

‘We’ve just got to make sure that we make the most of it.’

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