US Portsmouth Reserves missing two leading scorers as they go in search of Senior Cup shock against Fareham Town

The Wyvern Combination East Division table-toppers host Wessex League Premier outfit Fareham Town on the artificial pitch at HMS Temeraire (7.45pm).

USP have blasted 94 goals in just 16 league games this season, with Freddie Nancarrow and Dan Sibley blasting 34 of them in just 15 combined appearances.

Nancarrow has netted 18 goals in just eight starts, while Sibley has 16 goals from just seven starts.

Including cup goals, Nancarrow has 26 in 13 appearances and Sibley 16 in eight games.

But Nancarrow is currently in America with his college team, while Sibley is cup-tied having played for USP’s first team in the same competition.

Sibley’s latest appearance was off the bench in Tuesday’s 5-2 quarter final loss to a strong Horndean XI at the Victory Stadium.

Deans boss Michael Birmingham treated both the tournament and USP with full respect, fielding the likes of Jack Maloney, Jack Lee, Liam Kimber, Sam Hookey, Alfie Liss, Fuzz Kanjanda and keeper Lloyd Thomas.

USP had teenager Damian Kelsall in goal and 17-year-old Charlie Musson at centre half.

Boss Glen Turnbull rested the likes of skipper Tom Jeffes, James Franklyn and Harry Birmingham, while Callum Glen and Harry Bedford were cup tied.

Harry Sargeant, who usually plays in midfield, was deployed as a sweeper.

‘We were a bit flat,’ said Turnbull. ‘To start with we were a bit in awe of them, but after coming from two goals down to end up losing by five I was gutted.

‘It was good for everyone to see where we need to improve in order to achieve what we want to do this season and next.

‘Our mistakes were punished (against Horndean) more than they would usually be.’

The experienced Phil Archbold will be lining up against Fareham tonight.

He scored his eighth goal in nine reserve starts last weekend as USP moved 12 points clear at the top of the Wyvern East table with an 8-1 romp at Infinity.

‘It won't just be a team of kids,’ said Turnbull. ‘Phil has been around the block – at least once, possibly twice.’

Fareham are taking on USP in the Portsmouth Senior Cup for the second season running. Last term Simon Woods netted a hat-trick as Fareham were held 4-4 before triumphing 5-4 on penalties.

Fareham were also taken to penalties when they met USP’s first team in the Hampshire Senior Cup last August. After a 3-3 draw at Cams Alders, the Reds again won on spot-kicks.

Tonight’s winners will join Horndean and Baffins Milton Rovers in the semi-finals.

The last quarter final tie is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, when Denmead host four divisions higher Moneyfields.

Due to the fact Denmead’s usual Front Lawn 3G surface is unavailable, the tie will be played at Hampshire Premier League club Locks Heath.

Moneyfields are the holders of the Portsmouth Senior Cup, having drubbed Paulsgrove 7-1 in last season’s Fratton Park final.