Work to do in order for USP success to continue
GUY FAWKES Night may be a few weeks away but fireworks can be expected as Fareham Town meet Baffins Milton Rovers in Wessex Premier action at Cams Alders tonight (7.30pm).
When the two sides met at the same venue last season they fought out a thrilling 5-5 draw.
Fareham have made a flying start to the campaign, netting 26 goals in just eight games.
The Reds' also regained top spot on goal difference at the weekend with a thumping 6-1 home win against 10-man Brockenhurst.
Pete Stiles' side will start as favourites to consolidate their lead at the top against a Baffins side struggling to find their form.
However, the Fareham boss has been around long enough to know the form book can be ripped up in derby matches.
‘This is a big local game,’ said Stiles.
‘All the players know each other so local pride and bragging rights are at stake.
‘We have shown that we possess the firepower to hurt opponents.
‘Although Baffins have not had a good time of it lately they have some very good players in their team.
‘We are well aware that they are capable of causing an upset.
‘It is up to us to make sure that we approach the game in the right way.
‘We have to do that if we want to give ourselves the best chance of coming out on top.
‘There is a confidence running through our squad at the moment.
‘The players have a great attitude and want to go out and win every game.
‘So far this season, the difference has been greater consistency and avoiding making too many slip-ups.’
Competition for places in the Fareham squad is so fierce Stiles has even had to leave out prolific striker Simon Woods.
But the Reds boss knows that Woods can still prove to be a match-winner and he has been scoring goals for fun in
Sunday League football.
‘I am looking to get Simon (Woods) back in the squad and he could feature against Baffins,' said Stiles.
The visitors have gone seven games without a win and broke their losing streak with a 1-1 home draw against Tadley Calleva at the weekend.
Shaun Wilkinson appointed as manager during the summer and is still in the process of building his team.
He has recently brought in Miles Everett from Horndean after a spell with Southern League Division One South side Moneyfields last season.
Baffins have also let three other players go, with George Way, Tyler Moret and Charlie Cooper all released.
Wilkinson was encouraged by his team's second half showing against Tadley but accepts facing Fareham - the team currently top of the Wessex League Premier Division will be a tough challenge.
Goals scored this season by high-flying Fareham in just eight matches
‘Fareham are flying at the moment and we have to be prepared to stand up to the test,’ said Wilkinson.
‘All the pressure will be on them.
‘They are a good outfit that have been together for a couple of years, under a good manager.
‘Fareham are young, fit and work hard for each other.
‘We are very much looking forward to the game.’
- KEVIN RICKETTS
GLENN TURNBULL admits US Portsmouth’s success story is ‘not sustainable’ unless the club can grow off the field.
Turnbull, in his first season as first team boss, guided US to the top of the Wessex League Division 1 table in 2019/20.
They were storming towards a first ever promotion - having entered the Wessex in 2004 - before life in lockdown scuppered that dream.
Earlier this month they recorded the greatest result in the club’s history - a 2-1 FA Vase success at higher division AFC Portchester.
It was a bitter-sweet day for Turnbull, who was left envious after seeing the off-field set-up at The Crest Finance Stadium.
‘On the pitch, we’re a match for anyone,’ said Turnbull.
‘But off it there’s a huge gulf between us and some clubs.
‘Portchester is unbelievable, and Baffins is unreal as well.
‘Look at Fareham, I was there the other day (watching USP’s reserves) and they had a room full of washing machines and tumble dryers.
‘When we won at Romsey the other night I had to take all the kit to a launderette in my lunch hour, and I picked it up a few days later in another lunch hour.
‘People don’t understand about these sort of things.
‘At Moneyfields they’ve got a big room with lots of kit, training tops, water bottles, everything.
‘I was like a kid in a sweet shop - all we have is 18 water bottles with a piece of white tape with the players’ names on them!
‘We’re a bit Wimbledonesque in comparison to the other clubs.
‘We do have a great spirit and camaraderie, but it’s not sustainable.
‘It might be okay for two years, five years, maybe 10 years, but we need foundations to build on.
‘I know Wimbledon were in the top division for a while, but where are they now?’
USP host Brockenhurst in the third round of the Wessex League Cup tonight.
They are without Josh Hazell and George Root
(both self-isolating), Elliott Turnbull, Frankie Paige and Dan Sibley (all injured) and Owen Haly (not match fit).
New signing Tyler Moret is available as he didn’t play for Baffins in the competition this season.