Reds' record-breaking season has been for the wrong reasons

Fareham Town boss Steve Stone, left Picture: Neil Marshall

If the game goes ahead it will be the Reds’ first game for 42 days – beating the previous record set in 1981-82 of 39 days.

The situation regarding home games is even worse for Fareham who have ben plagued by drainage problems at their Cams Alders ground.

If next Tuesday’s scheduled fixture against Folland Sports takes place it will be the first home game in three months and nine days.

This easily beats the previous longest spell without a home game of two months and two days set back in the 1940’s.

Reds boss Steve Stone admits it hasn’t been easy for all concerned.

‘I am running out of ideas on how to keep training interesting with our limited resources,’ said Stone.

‘It does mean we can expect a busy end to the season and the league have already informed clubs they can expect to play at least three and sometimes four games a week in the closing months.’

Fareham include new goalkeeper Tommy Taylor, signed from Team Solent, in their squad along with experienced full-back Sean Howes, who has returned from America.

Horndean host AFC Portchester in a summit meeting at Five Heads Park in a game that has a lot at stake for both teams (3pm).

The visitors have only been beaten once in the league all season but have drawn too many in the eyes of manager Graham Rix.

Rix believes the Royals can make up lost ground by beating their rivals.

At the same time, the home side are looking to bounce back from their disappointing 2-1 defeat at lowly Alresford Town in their last outing.

‘This is a big game for both teams,’ said Horndean manager Craig Pearce.

‘We want to put things right after our last game as quickly as possible.’

Royals boss Rix recognises his team face another big test.

‘It is these games against the other top sides that are going to make the difference,’ he said.

‘These are also the type of games the players should be looking forward to.’

Moneyfields hope to include Alex Shephard in their squad for their game against Whitchurch United at Dover Road (3pm).

Dave Carter has put in a seven-day approach to his old club Horndean in a bid to acquire the central defender.