Fireworks could be arriving a little earlier than expected when high-flying Fareham host Baffins Milton Rovers

When the two sides met at the same venue last season they fought out a thrilling 5-5 draw.

Fareham have made a flying start to the campaign, netting 26 goals in just eight games.

The Reds' also regained top spot on goal difference at the weekend with a thumping 6-1 home win against 10-man Brockenhurst.

Pete Stiles' side will start as favourites to consolidate their lead against a Baffins side struggling to find their form.

However, the Fareham boss has been around long enough to know the form book can be ripped up in derby matches.

‘This is a big local game,’ said Stiles.

‘All the players know each other so local pride and bragging rights are at stake.

‘We have shown that we possess the firepower to hurt opponents.

‘Although Baffins have not had a good time of it lately they have some very good players in their team.

‘We are well aware that they are capable of causing an upset.

‘It is up to us to make sure that we approach the game in the right way.

‘We have to do that if we want to give ourselves the best chance of coming out on top.

‘There is a confidence running through our squad at the moment.

‘The players have a great attitude and want to go out and win every game.

‘So far this season, the difference has been greater consistency and avoiding making too many slip-ups.’

Competition for places in the Fareham squad is so fierce Stiles even had to leave out prolific striker Simon Woods.

Yet the Reds boss knows that Woods can still prove to be a match-winner and he has been scoring goals for fun in Sunday League football.

‘I am looking to get Simon (Woods) back in the squad and he could feature against Baffins,' said Stiles.

The visitors have gone seven games without a win and broke their losing streak with a 1-1 home draw against Tadley Calleva at the weekend.

Shaun Wilkinson appointed as manager during the summer is still in the process of building his team.

He has recently brought in Miles Everett from Horndean and let three other players go, with George Way, Tyler Moret and Charlie Cooper all released.

Wilkinson was encouraged by his team's second half showing against Tadley but accepts facing Fareham will be a tough challenge.

‘Fareham are flying at the moment and we have to be prepared to stand up to the test,’ said Wilkinson.

‘All the pressure will be on them.

‘They are a good outfit that have been together for a couple of years, under a good manager.

‘Fareham are young, fit and work hard for each other.

‘We are very much looking forward to the game.’