Fareham boss Stiles hoping his Wessex League high-fliers aren’t distracted by FA Vase tie

Manager Pete Stiles is determined not to let his side get side-tracked by their big FA Vase home tie this weekend against Roman Glass St George.

'It is important that we don't get too far ahead of ourselves,' he said.

'Everyone at the club is talking about the FA Vase but we have important league points to consider first.

'Our focus has to be on beating Fleet and not being distracted by other matters.

'Fleet are the sort of team who can easily beat you if you are not at it.

'I want us to keep winning and it will be good to go into the Vase game with another victory under our belt.'

Stiles was unhappy that the Reds' game at fellow high-fliers Lymington was called off at midday on Saturday.

He accepted the Covid situation necessitated a postponement, but it was the timing he objected to.

'Being called off so late meant that we couldn't get the players in for morning training,' said Stiles.

'I had given them the Thursday off to recover from the previous game (against Baffins last Tuesday).

'In effect we have now not done anything for a week, which isn't the best preparation.'

Ethan Jones returns to the squad after being unavailable and Stiles is waiting to hear on Jack Breed.

The latter is self-isolating after representing Gibraltar under-23's but if the government reduces the isolation period to seven days he will be available.

Fareham are protecting a fine Cams Alders record - they have won 10 and drawn two of their last 12 home league matches.

Their last Wessex loss on home soil was on November 19 last year against neighbouring AFC Portchester.