Fareham boss Stiles back in the dug-out for FA Vase tie with Badshot Lea

The Reds manager returns after serving a two-match stadium ban for comments he made after an FA Cup defeat at the start of the season.

His players made light of his absence by picking up maximum points in his absence - winning 2-0 at Amesbury and 3-0 at Tadley.

Fareham sit proudly on top of the Wessex Premier after rattling off six successive league wins for the first time since Stiles took over midway through 2016/17.

'My players are all well drilled and know what to do,' said Stiles.

'To come away from two tricky away games with maximum points and two clean sheets was pleasing.

'The FA Vase is a good competition and it is all about performing on the day.

'Our opponents are a good side and lively up front.

'We will need to be on our game.'

Gary Austin (knee) and Jack Breed (Gibraltan under-21s) are missing.

'We are on a good run and must look to try and keep it going,' said Stiles.

'For once we have a good squad and the problem is who to leave out.'

Badshot are seventh in the Combined Counties League Premier - the same level as Fareham - with four wins and two losses to their name.

In the last round of the Vase they won 4-0 at Fareham’s divisional rivals Shaftesbury.

Stiles has never taken Fareham past the second round of the Vase. In 2017/18 they won through three rounds before losing to league rivals Christchurch.

The furthest the Reds have ever gone in the tournament is the third round in both 2003/04 and 2004/05.