In-form Fareham keen to pick up the pace

Manager Matt Parr has seen a big improvement from the Reds in recent weeks and is backing them to avoid the drop.

‘This is a big game for us and virtually a six-pointer,’ said Parr.

‘Alresford are not too far ahead of us so it would be nice to go there and close the gap on them.

‘Our aim is to get out of the bottom two as soon as possible.

‘Since the turn of the year we have picked up and there is a real positive vibe running through our squad.

‘The new players who have come in have gelled well and they have all been putting a lot of effort in.

‘It is important that we keep performing and pick up the necessary results.

‘All the pressure will be on the home team so we can go there and concentrate on playing our football.’

Parr expects to have his first-choice midfield trio of Jack James, George Davis and Brady Norton back.

He is also hoping central defender Charlie Bailey will return.

League-leaders Petersfield Town host Bemerton Heath Harlequins in a dress rehearsal for their League Cup semi-final next month.

‘We can’t afford to be distracted by the cup game,’ said manager Ian Saunders.

‘With Moneyfields, Winchester City and AFC Portchester breathing down our necks we can’t afford to slip up.

‘At the moment we are in the driving seat and that is where we want to stay.

‘I should imagine there will be a bit of both teams feeling each other out ahead of the cup semi-final.’

Saunders is without the influential Warren Hunt, who is suspended.

Ed Dryden is also missing because he is playing for Stoke City Under-21s against Everton Under-21s.

If Petersfield slip up, Moneyfields are favourites to close the gap at the top, with basement side Totton & Eling visiting Dover Road.

AFC Portchester face an awkward trip to Lymington Town as they look to extend their unbeaten run to 13 games.