Fareham boss keen to finish the job

Steve Stone is looking for Fareham Town to finish the job as they host Verwood Town in their FA Cup preliminary round replay at Cams Alders tonight (7.45pm).
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Aug 2016, 07:00 BST
Fareham boss Steve Stone. Picture: Neil MarshallFareham boss Steve Stone. Picture: Neil Marshall
Fareham boss Steve Stone. Picture: Neil Marshall

The Reds threw away a two-goal lead in the final 20 minutes of Saturday’s first meeting, which ended 2-2 in the New Forest.

At the same time, Stone is glad to have a second bite at the cherry after a last-minute goalline clearance kept them in the Cup.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘We were hanging on at the end of the last game after looking comfortable for most of it,’ said the boss.

AFC Portchester boss Graham Rix. Picture: Neil MarshallAFC Portchester boss Graham Rix. Picture: Neil Marshall
AFC Portchester boss Graham Rix. Picture: Neil Marshall

‘In the final 15 minutes we panicked a bit.

‘We have to make a few changes because we picked up a couple of injuries and other players are away on holiday.’

Striker Simon Woods looks set to start for the home side after scoring as a substitute at the weekend.

The winners of the replay will travel to either Wimborne Town or Alresford Town in the next round.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
AFC Portchester boss Graham Rix. Picture: Neil MarshallAFC Portchester boss Graham Rix. Picture: Neil Marshall
AFC Portchester boss Graham Rix. Picture: Neil Marshall

Elsewhere, Hampshire Senior Cup action dominates tonight’s programme.

AFC Portchester will be gunning for more knockout glory when they travel to Romsey Town in the first round.

The Royals knocked Southern League Mangotsfield United out of the FA Cup 2-0 with an excellent performance at the weekend.

Graham Rix’s side reached the quarter-finals of the county competition last season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They were unlucky to be knocked out by the Hawks after extra-time.

‘I am looking for us to keep the winning run going,’ said Rix.

‘Winning is a good habit to get into and we are keen for more cup success.

‘It gives me a chance to freshen things up a bit and give a few of the other lads an opportunity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘The season is a long one and we need to keep the players as fresh as we possibly can.’

Horndean face a difficult tie against Team Solent at Five Heads Park.

And boss Michael Birmingham is hoping his side can repeat their first-half performance at Cowes Sports, where they raced into a three-goal lead.

‘We got the ball down and produced some excellent football,’ said the Horndean manager.

‘It was only when we had our goalkeeper sent off that they got back to draw.’

United Services are looking to cause an upset as they host Wessex League premier division Cowes Sports at Burnaby Road.

Related topics:FarehamAFC PortchesterMichael Birmingham