Royals duo back on front line... Deans fired up

Both strikers missed the 0-0 draw at Newport IW.

Assistant manager Ian Saunders was pleased to see the team dig in and defend strongly.

He is expecting Team Solent to be good but their style may not suit the Wicor Rec surface if the Royals can make it tough for them.

‘We were missing a few players but those that came in put in a terrific shift,’ said Saunders.

‘It was pleasing to keep a second successive clean sheet.

‘Team Solent are a good footballing side but they might find it difficult to do that on our pitch.

‘It will be a game for rolling our sleeves up and having a bit of fire in our bellies.’

Michael Birmingham wants Horndean to take out their frustrations on Fawley as the two teams meet at Five Heads Park tomorrow (3pm).

Birmingham rated the 4-0 midweek defeat at Moneyfields as their worst performance for a long time.

He is looking for his young side to bounce back and return to their best.

‘I am immensely proud of my side and what they have achieved this season,’ said the Deans boss.

‘For some of them it is their first season at this level.

‘I want them to forget what happened at Moneyfields and put it behind them.

‘We know we can play a lot better and I am looking for just that against Fawley.’

Striker Ash Howes is available again after suspension and Sam Smart returns from a trip to the United States with Portsmouth Community.

Pete Stiles is demanding a better defensive performance from Fareham Town as they visit Newport IW.

‘We have shipped far too many goals lately,’ said Stiles.

‘Having not won in three games we have to look to come back with something.

‘In our 4-3 defeat by Fawley our opponents were far more up for it than we were.

‘Some of the players are not performing the way they can do.’

Callum Laycock is unavailable and Bradey Norton has left the club.

Newly-arrived forward Jason Cordice, who has moved into the area from Devon, comes into the squad.

In division one Baffins Milton Rovers can clinch promotion to the premier division if they win at Ringwood Town.

United Services Portsmouth host Downton at Burnaby Road.