‘We’re an attractive side – I just wish local supporters would come and watch us’ – Fareham boss Pete Stiles

He believes they are missing out on an attractive proposition.

The Reds have started the season strongly and are joint-leaders with Horndean after winning their last three matches.

Stiles insists his team deserve better support.

'I know we had 300 in against Portchester but that was a local derby,' he said.

'It would be nice to get similar numbers for other games like this one against Portland.

'Last season we were top goal scorers at home and fourth highest scorers in the league.

'We are an attractive side to watch and I just wish local supporters would come out and back us.

'All I hear is people saying ‘I used to watch Fareham when they were in the Southern League’.

'I would say to them 'come and watch us now'.

'There is no other football to watch, so why not come and give us a go.'

Portland have made a poor start to their campaign, losing five of their first six league and cup games and drawing the other - including an 8-1 caning at Baffins Milton.

Portland boss Callum Brooks resigned after last’s 4-0 FA Vase home loss to Hamble, after only four months in charge.

Previous results had included a 2-1 home loss to Bashley and a 1-1 draw with Brockenhurst, and Brooks said some of the players’ attitudes were wrong.

‘I had players that played Bashley that knew they were leaving,’ he told Dorset media this week.

‘I had players that played Brockenhurst that knew they'd signed for another club.

‘I'd rather put time into seven, eight-year-olds who have a dream and who you can affect positively.

‘There's a group at Portland I couldn't affect positively. I'm an easy target for people to go 'yeah, it’s Brooks’ fault’.

‘I'm not too worried about that, I don't want to endure more stress for my family when Tuesday night I can be with my kids and get some family time in, rather than being hammered for trying to work hard.’

Stiles won't be taking anything for granted against Portland, as he knows in the past Fareham have made a habit of slipping up against teams at the lower end of the table.

Prior to this term, the Dorset club have regularly been pushing at the top in recent years, winning the top flight title in 2016/17 after Moneyfields had points deducted for fielding an ineligible player.

'I don't regard Portland as a poor side,' said Stiles.

'They have brought in a new manager this week and that often brings a reaction from the team.

'We won't be able to afford any complacency because I expect them to be right up for it.'

The home side are without Connor Messenbird (suspended) and Gary Austin (unavailable).

Stiles is hopeful he will have central defender Garry Moody available again following a calf injury.

'I wasn't happy with our first couple of games but we managed to grind out results,' he said.

'Once my forwards start scoring we will be a very difficult side to play against.'