Borough keen to kick-start promotion push

Gosport Borough entertain Eastbourne Borough tonight at Privett Park looking for a win to get their National League South play-off bid back on track (7.45pm).
Justin Bennett, centreJustin Bennett, centre
Justin Bennett, centre

Alex Pike’s side have stuttered in recent weeks, going three league games without a win.

This has seen them drop just outside the play-off places.

They are keen to turn things around.

But assistant manager Mick Catlin warned it won’t be easy against their south coast rivals.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘Eastbourne have found a bit of form but every game in this league is a challenge,’ said Catlin.

‘We have gone a few games without a win and that tends to dent confidence a little.

‘With two home games this week we have an opportunity to get back into it.

‘It doesn’t help when you keep stopping and starting, with games being postponed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘We know we need to start scoring more goals and, hopefully, Justin Bennett can get back on the goal trail.

‘He can go a spell without a goal, but once he scores one he’s likely to go on another scoring run.

‘We do need other players to chip in, though.’

Borough are boosted by the likely return of experienced defensive duo Brett Poate and Rory Williams from injury.

Midfielder Ben Harding, however, is rated no more than fifty-fifty after picking up a knee injury.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Meanwhile, AFC Portchester and the Hawks will make another attempt to resolve their Hampshire Senior Cup quarter-final at Wicor Rec (7.45pm).

Hawks manager Lee Bradbury admitted he has to find the correct balance in his selection, with a big FA Trophy tie at Grimsby Town to consider on Saturday.

‘We want to win this competition but at the same time have got to be careful,’ said Bradbury.

‘It is a question of getting the balance right.’

Theo Lewis is unlikely to figure for the visitors after picking up a kick to the ankle, while James Hayter and Lee Molyneaux are both ill.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Also in the Hampshire Senior Cup, it will be attempt number seven for Horndean and Totton & Eling’s third-round tie at Five Heads Park (7.45pm).

Fareham Town are having an early afternoon pitch inspection ahead of their Wessex League premier division game against Folland Sports at Cams Alders (7.45pm).

If the game goes ahead, it will be the first time since October that the Reds have played at home.

Moneyfields host Otterbourne in the Russell-Cotes Cup at Dover Road (7.45pm).