Gosport remaining in a confident mindset

Gosport Borough know it is a key time for them as they host Lymington II at Privett Park in a Southern League division three relegation scrap on Saturday.
Gosport's Craig StaresGosport's Craig Stares
Gosport's Craig Stares

With four teams within a point of each other the relegation dogfight is reaching a thrilling finale.

Both teams need to win the game if they are to maintain their hopes of avoiding a return to the Hampshire League.

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Borough are looking to end a run of three successive defeats which has sent them to the bottom of the league.

Vice-captain Lee Harrop remains in a bullish mood convinced Borough can pull off a great escape starting on Saturday.

He said: '˜All the teams at the bottom will be scrapping and we have to make sure we scrap the hardest.

'˜It is a do-or-die situation but we remain in with a fighting chance.

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I am certain we can get the wins we need because we know how well we can play.

'˜It is a case of going out there and doing the business.'

Borough will take some confidence from their 62-run win against the same opponents in the New Forest earlier in the season.

The home side are forced to make two changes with youngsters Jack Richards and Jacob Harris are away at the Reading Music Festival.

Fortunately Borough are able to boost their squad with two experienced campaigners Craig Stares and Simon Creal.

Harrop hopes they will be able to provide a key lift.

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He added: '˜In situations like ours sometimes experience can make all the difference.

'˜As much as we will miss our two youngsters it is great to be able to replace them with experience.

'˜They will help settle the nerves and calm any tricky situation down.

'˜At times this season we have been a little naive going onto the attack at the wrong times.

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'˜The added experience should help us avoid making that mistake again.'

Borough will also take some encouragement from their display against league-leaders Fair Oak.

Though they lost by 117-runs they acquitted themselves well against powerful opponents.

The batting which has been a big problem this season showed greater resilience.

Tom Larner (43), Robert Wood (44) and Gavin King (51 not out) all contributed well at the crease.