Baffins Milton stand-in boss Thompson: Why Wessex League trip to AFC Portchester is a free hit for us

And Rovers' assistant manager says his side are relishing the chance to come away from the Royals with a positive result in front of what is expected to be a big crowd.

Baffins go into the game after substitute Billy Connor's last-gasp strike salvaged a 2-2 draw for Thompson's nine-man side against Alresford at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Portchester have not been the title force many thought they would be.

They parted company with former boss Mick Catlin in October and Marty Wallace took up an interim manager roleb.

The Scot suffered his first defeat since taking charge as the Royals were beaten 4-0 at home by leaders Hamworthy last time out.

Despite Portchester sitting ninth, having lost five of their 11 league matches, Thompson still feels everyone will be expecting a home victory.

But the man taking charge of Baffins while Shaun Wilkinson serves a stadium ban, is hoping his side can spring a surprise result.

Thompson said: 'We haven’t got anything to lose. If you look at it, people are going to look at that fixture and say ‘it’s a Portchy win.’

‘We’ll go there, no pressure, we’ve got nothing to lose and we’ll be going there to give it a good go.

‘If we can pick something up away from home at Portchester it’ll be great.

'We’re under no pressure, it’s a bit of a free-hit for us, no-one is expecting us to go there and turn them over.

‘You never know, football is a funny old game, so we’ll go there and give it our best shot.'

Josh Warren's suspension for his red card against Alresford is not likely to start until Saturday, so he should be available to face his former club.

Attacking midfielder Callum Dart could also be in contention to return following his injury lay-off.