Holders Baffins Milton set to ring the changes for Wessex League Cup trek to Lymington Town

Shaun Wilkinson expects to make lots of changes as Baffins Milton Rovers visit Lymington Town in the first round of the Wessex League Cup.
Rudi Blankson, left, scored four goals after coming on as a sub against Portland at the weekend. Picture: Chris MoorhouseRudi Blankson, left, scored four goals after coming on as a sub against Portland at the weekend. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Rudi Blankson, left, scored four goals after coming on as a sub against Portland at the weekend. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

Baffins are still the holders, having beaten Portland 1-0 in the final in 2018/19 and last season’s competition being abandoned due to the pandemic.

'I have nine players unavailable and we are down to the bare bones,' he explained.

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'All the lads who have not had games will be getting a chance.'

Rudi Blankson, Sam Emeney and George Burgess - the three subs used in the 8-1 routing of Portland at the weekend - could all start.

Blankson is the man in form, having struck four times after coming off the bench in what was Rovers’ highest ever Wessex top flight success.

Lymington have yet to lose in normal time in 2020/21.

They have won three games in three different competitions, with strikers Craig McAllister and Ollie Dennett among the goals.

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Dennett, who was at Hawks last season, scored in an FA Cup win at Brockenhurst and a Wessex League success at AFC Stoneham.

McCallister, the former Gosport Borough player-boss, netted as the New Forest club beat Alton 1-0 to book a final date with Sholing in the Russell Cotes Cup held over from last season.

Both McAllister and Dennett ended last season at Alresford Town.

Should Baffins progress on Tuesday, they will travel again in the second round to either Hythe & Dibden or Newport IoW.

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Fareham Town manager Pete Stiles is expecting a tough Wessex League Cup second round tie against Christchurch at Cams Alders (7.45pm).

'Christchurch are probably the team to beat in our league this season,' said Stiles

'Any team that can finish above them will have done very well.

'They are strong, well organised and technically very good.

'This won't be an easy game, but regardless of that I will be looking to make a number of changes.

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'A few of my players are a bit older and if they keep having to play three times a week then they won't last.

'Also there are a number of players who will have a point to prove because they have not been in the side.

'It is a chance for them to push their way into my plans for our league game at Bournemouth on Saturday.'

Christchurch are fresh from an impressive 2-0 FA Cup preliminary round win at Wessex rivals Bashley at the weekend.

Fareham have never won the Wessex League Cup since they entered the league 22 years ago.

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