Horndean boss expects tough time against lowly Alresford thanks to former Havant star Kevin Scriven

Kevin Scriven in action during his time at Westleigh Park - he is now in charge of Wessex League Premier strugglers Alresford who visit Horndean on Tuesday. Pic by Dave Haines.

The Magpies might head to the third-placed Deans sitting third-bottom having collected just a solitary league win all season.

But Birmingham is warning his title hopefuls against complacency.

Alresford make the trip to Five Heads Park having secured draws at both Fareham Town and Baffins in two of their past three matches.

Horndean, who dropped a place to third after being held at Hamble Club on Saturday, have already beaten Alresford this season - a 3-0 victory in October.

But Birmingham feels their recent results suggest they've picked up since then.

And he believes they will provide tricky opposition under the guidance of former Hawks keeper Kevin Scriven.

Birmingham said: 'If you have a look at their last couple of games they drew 3-3 with Fareham Town just before the lockdown and I think they were 3-1 up in that game as well.

‘They’ve gone to Baffins, which isn’t an easy place to go to, and they were 2-1 with about the last kick of the game.

‘They’ll be a very young side, they’ve got a lot of players from Aldershot academy, Basingstoke and clubs like that.

‘They’ll be drilled and they’ll have a certain amount of pride.

‘They’ve got a new management with Scriven (Kevin) up there as well.

‘He’s going to demand more where he’s played at Sutton and Havant & Waterlooville and big clubs like that.'

Horndean were weighing up whether to appeal the red card keeper Kieran Magee received in the stalemate at Hamble Club.

But the stopper should be available to face Alresford before any potential suspension starts.