Baffins still targeting top five finish ahead of visit from Wessex Premier title-chasers Alresford

Shane Cornish, left, has just returned from a serious injury. Picture Ian Hargreaves

The home side are desperate to beat the weather and get the game on with their fixtures starting to pile-up - they still have 16 league games to play plus cup ties.

Baffins go into the game on the back of two excellent wins in the league and cup against Hamble Club and Brockenhurst.

Manager Steve Leigh is looking for a strong finish to a weather-wrecked campaign.

'With all the games we have in hand we can still achieve a top five finish,' he said.

'Our season is far from over’.

Baffins are currently 15 points adrift of fifth-placed Lymington, but have five games in hand.

If they play tonight, it will only be their third home league game since October.

'We know that Alresford will be tough because they are a good side with a very decent budget,’ said Leigh.

'They have been at the top of the league since the start of the season.

'When we play them it is usually a contrast in styles.

'In some games they have been physically too strong for us but in others we have outplayed them with our football.

'We are coming into the game with two good wins behind us.

'At Brockenhurst in the League Cup we showed great character to come from behind twice to win.

'We showed on a very difficult pitch that we could dig in and battle to the end.

'Much of the same will be needed against Alresford.

'Every time we play them they always know they have been in a game.

'We are not prepared to lie down for anyone.'

Baffins are boosted by the return of experienced midfielder Shane Cornish.

Cornish has been missing since suffering a bad break against Alresford in an FA Cup tie last August.

He had his first full 90 minutes at Brockenhurst and impressed.

'Shane is the wrong side of 30 and most others would have given up,' said Leigh.

'The tackle that put him out was horrendous.

'It is a testimony to his character that he has fought his way back.

'His presence gives everyone in the side a lift.

'He is strong in the air and a good all-round performer.

'It makes a huge difference having him back.’