US Portsmouth’s large ex-Royals group aiming for an FA Vase upset at AFC Portchester

US Portsmouth could field half a dozen ex-Royals in a fascinating second qualifying round tie at The Crest Finance Stadium.

Goalkeeper Tom Price, defenders Tom Cain and Harry Birmingham, midfielder Brodie Spencer and strikers Andrew Todd and Jay Ripiner will all be fired up to impress in front of a possible sell-out crowd.

The Wessex League is the priority for both clubs this term.

Royals boss Mick Catlin has pieced together a highly-experienced squad with a view to winning the Premier Division title and entering the Southern League.

And US counterpart Glenn Turnbull is aiming for the top four finish in Division 1 that would propel his club into the Premier for the first time since they entered the Wessex in 2004.

‘It’s a free hit to test ourselves against a good team,’ said Turnbull.

‘I’m confident we will put on a display.

‘I’m sure the squad we have would do ok in the Wessex Premier, on our day we can give anyone a game.’

While it could be a tight affair on the pitch, off it Turnbull is fully aware of the financial gulf that separates the two clubs.

Portchester have been attracting crowds of over 200 for games in 2020/21, and hospitality for this weekend’s Vase tie was sold out within hours of it being announced.

‘Compared to our bar and our little tea hut, their set-up knocks ours into a crooked hat,’ said Turnbull.

Initially drawn at home, US were happy to switch after first asking Portchester if they wanted to travel down the M275 on a Friday evening.

US will still benefit financially from ticket sales, while the Royals will benefit from selling food and drink.

Turnbull is not concerned about giving up home advantage.

‘It’s a decent pitch up there, it’s green, there’s white lines on it and there’s goals at either end,’ he declared. ‘It’s not as if we’re going to play on a cowfield.’

US fielded a strong XI in Wednesday’s 2-1 Hampshire Combination win at Fareham Town, with Birmingham, Ripiner, Spencer, Liam Kyle and Elliott Turnbull all completing 90 minutes to put themselves in contention for the Vase tie.

Ripiner - who helped Portchester win promotion from Division 1 of the Wessex in 2011/12 - and Spencer were on target at Cams Alders.

Portchester banked £550 after coming from 0-2 down to beat US’ divisional rivals Bemerton 3-2 in the first qualifying round.

The winners of this weekend’s tie receive a further £725, with the losers pocketing £225.