US Portsmouth could make changes for Wessex League trip to Alton

US have won their last three league and cup games, including Saturday’s 5-1 caning of 10-man Downton.

Defender Tom Cain has yet to feature for the first team in 2020/21 due to injury.

But he came through 90 minutes for the reserves at Salisbury at the weekend - scoring twice in a 2-2 draw - and is included in the squad for the trip to Anstey Park.

Only skipper Tom Jeffes and Dec Seiden made more starts for USP last season than Cain’s 29 across all competitions.

Callum Glen is available again following a one-match suspension, while Turnbull could rest veteran striker Andy Todd.

Alton inflicted one of only two away league defeats on US in 2019/20, scoring twice in the last three minutes to win 2-1 on November 9.

US then won their next seven away league matches prior to life going into lockdown in mid-March.

Alton thrashed Andover Town 5-1 in their only home league game on their 3G pitch so far this season, while they also caned divisional rivals Totton & Eling 6-1 there in the Wessex League Cup.

Like US, Alton’s only league loss so far was at table-topping Laverstock & Ford. While US lost 4-3 in Wiltshire in their opening game, Alton were trounced 5-1 there on their last outing on September 19.

‘It’s going to be a tight game,’ said Turnbull. ‘It’s all the old cliches - it will probably be won by the team that works the hardest and makes less mistakes.

‘If we can create chances, we are capable of taking them. Undoubtedly they will be saying exactly the same.’

It’s the start of a big three-game period for US, who host second-placed Folland Sports on Saturday before welcoming AFC Portchester for a fascinating FA Vase tie on October 10.