Horndean aiming for fifth straight Wessex League win at free-scoring AFC Stoneham

The Stoneham Lane hosts, who play on a 4G pitch, have hit six goals in both their previous two games.

They followed up a 6-1 win at Shaftesbury - ex-Fareham striker Callum Laycock hitting a hat-trick - with a far more impressive 6-0 hammering of Bashley at the weekend.

But the fourth-placed Deans are also in top form and are gunning for a fifth successive league win.

They exited the Wessex League Cup, losing 3-0 at Amesbury on Saturday, but fielded a side largely made up of under-18s.

Senior players return in the quest for league points.

'This is a tough, tough assignment,' said boss Michael Birmingham.

'Stoneham are a very well-drilled side and obviously scoring goals for fun at the moment.

'They possess a big threat going forward with their pace and are also strong at set-pieces.

Last year we drew 0-0 at their place but it was an excellent game played at a good tempo.

'Both teams were a credit to the league.

'Our aim must be to repeat that tempo and look to move the ball quickly.

'If we don't then they will get behind the ball and make it difficult for us to break them down.

'We are also strong going forward but must make sure we show good patience and not try to do everything with one pass.'

Horndean are boosted by a couple of dual signings and one player returning from injury.

Defender Tyler Giddings (Moneyfields) and striker Michael Baker (Bognor Regis) are both available, while Rob Taw is back in contention after injury.