Michael Birmingham's warning to Horndean ahead of Amesbury Town clash - Fareham Town hope weather relents

Boss Michael Birmingham reckons it will all hinge on what Horndean side turns up.

‘Amesbury are never easy to play against and they are fighting for their lives,’ he declared.

‘The very least we have to do is match their desire and work-rate.

‘We have to be prepared to roll our sleeves up because the pitch is going to be very heavy.

‘It is all about wanting to win.’

The hosts are still without suspended pair Ash Howes and Fuzz Kanjanda, who were sent off in a 3-0 home loss to AFC Portchester on February 4.

Amesbury have only won three league games in 25 attempts since coming up from Division 1 last year.

They started 2020 by beating Bashley (their only away win in 11 league games) and Fareham on successive weekends, but have lost their last five league matches.

Included in those losses was a 9-0 battering at leaders AFC Stoneham - the heaviest defeat by any Wessex League top flight side this term.

n Fareham Town are hoping the weather relents enough for them to welcome Lymington Town to Cams Alders (3pm).

The Reds’ last two games have been rained off - away to Bashley last Saturday and home to Baffins Milton on Tuesday.