Horndean ‘down to the bare bones’ for visit of Wessex League title-chasers Christchurch

Horndean skipper Ash Howes (red) is unlikely to face Christchurch due to injury. Picture Credit: Keith Woodland

Mann, standing in for suspended boss Michael Birmingham, has lost two key players to injury.

Teenager Ben Anderson, who has been impressive this season, is ruled out for the rest of the season with an achilles injury.

Also skipper Ash Howes, who was due to return from suspension, picked up an injury at training.

On a more positive note, Deans do have Bobby Scott, Harry Jackson and Dan Sackman all back in contention.

Scott scored as a substitute in the excellent 2-0 win against Bashley at the weekend.

'We are down to the bare bones,' said Mann.

'However, we can go into the game on the back of a couple of excellent wins.

'The attitude of the players at Bashley was first-rate.

'In the conditions it wasn't the prettiest of football but they got the job done.

'We drew 1-1 with Christchurch earlier in the season and we expect it to be equally as tough.

'In that game we were on top for the first 20 minutes but for the next 20 they pulverised us.'

Christchurch’s title ambitions, meanwhile, could be scuppered by a congested fixture list.

In addition to having 13 league games left between now and April 25 – only Baffins (16) have more to play - they are also through to the semi-finals of two cups.

On Tuesday they drubbed Bournemouth 4-0 to set-up a Wessex League Cup last four trip to AFC Stoneham on Tuesday, March 24.

And next Tuesday they are due to host either Sholing or Bemerton in the semi finals of the Russell Cotes Cup. The latter two teams meet tonight in Southampton.

Priory reached the final of the Russell Cotes last season, losing 1-0 to Sholing.

The other Wessex League Cup semi-final between Portland and Hamble Club is also scheduled for March 24.