Horndean boss Birmingham warning against Christchurch’s ‘potent weapon’

The visitors boast a 100 per cent record after three games and Birmingham insists his side will need to be switched on if they want to keep it that way.

'This will be our most difficult game yet,' he said.

'Christchurch were easily the best side that we faced last season.

'They are very strong, well organised with a back four that don't concede many goals.

'So far this season they have had just one scored against them.

'In Ron Frost, who sits just in front of the back four, they possess a very potent weapon.

'He can throw the ball a mile. Any throw-in in our half will be just like a set piece for them.

'We will have to be resilient and make sure that we stand up to that threat.

'Their pitch is big and even bigger if the ball keeps coming back at you.

'Hopefully it will also allow us to get the ball down and play our football.'

Birmingham hopes to have a virtually full-strength squad to choose from.

Christchurch have only played one league so far, drawing 1-1 with Hamworthy.

They are still in the FA Cup, following a 2-0 win at Wessex League rivals Bashley last weekend. They now play two divisions higher Dorchester in the first qualifying round next Tuesday.

Christchurch also won 1-0 at Fareham in the Wessex League Cup on Tuesday with a goal from Max Wilcock, who was last season’s leading marksman with 20 league and cup strikes.

Priory only conceded 20 goals in 26 Wessex games in 2019/20 and were 11 points behind leaders Alresford, but with four games in hand, when the season was ended by the pandemic.

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Fareham Town are aiming for a third successive Wessex League win as they visit Bournemouth Poppies (3pm).

Reds manager Pete Stiles doesn't expect it to be straightforward.

'They play on a horrible pitch and it is always a bit of a battle against them,' he remarked.

'We have to make sure that we are mentally right.

'It will be all about attitude from our point of view.'

Curt Robbins is away on holiday but Gary Austin and Archie Wilcox return to the squad after missing the Wessex League Cup loss to Christchurch.