Royals face Gosport... Fareham aim to extend unbeaten run

Borough slipped into the relegation zone of the Vanarama National League South after a humiliating 6-0 home defeat against Hemel Hempstead.

The Royals also suffered a bad defeat on Saturday, losing 5-3 at home against Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

It was a particularly disappointing result for Royals boss Graham Rix because his side led 2-0 at the break.

He said: ‘If we are to upset Gosport then we are certainly going to have to defend better.

‘Every time Bemerton put the ball into our box we looked vulnerable.

‘We know we cannot afford to keep giving cheap goals away.

‘If we are to give ourselves any chance then we must tighten up at the back.’

Portchester are still without George Wells, Gavin Moody, Miles Everett and Joe Noakes through injury.

Striker Andy Todd is also away with Royal Navy duties.

Moneyfields will be massively disappointed if they don’t collect maximum points against relegation battling Cowes Sports in the Wessex League premier division at Dover Road (7.45pm).

The Yachtsmen lost 6-0 at Horndean and will have to improve dramatically to trouble the league leaders.

Fareham Town are looking to defend their nine-game unbeaten run as they journey to Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

Manager Pete Stiles has worked wonders since taking over at Cams Alders.

Stiles expects to bring Jack Barker or Ryan Inskip back into the squad but Callum Laycock is out.

‘Bemerton have had a couple of good wins but we are determined to keep our unbeaten run going as long as possible,’ said Stiles.

Horndean travel to Lymington Town and boss Michael Birmingham is predicting a close battle.

‘I think the two teams are very similar,’ he said.

‘It should make for a good game.’

– KEVIN RICKETTS