Prospects to keep getting Horndean chance
HORNDEAN journey to Alresford Town looking for a fourth successive league win to keep the pressure on the top three in the Wessex Premier tonight.
The fourth-placed Deans will fancy their chances against the struggling hosts, who have won just once in seven league outings.
Horndean manager Michael Birmingham will continue to feature some of his exciting youngsters that have forced their way into the senior side.
'We have got some exciting young prospects coming through,' said Birmingham.
‘They have been given their chance and grabbed it with both hands.
‘That is what we have to be about at Horndean trying to bring through raw, young talent. We can't afford to compete with the likes of AFC Portchester and Baffins Milton Rovers.’
Zac Brownlie, Evan Harris and Ben Anderson all retain their place in the squad for the game.
Sixteen-year-old Brownlie plays in midfield and has looked very comfortable on the ball as well as possessing a good passing range.
Fellow 16-year-old Evan Harris at centre-forward is another player who knows where the goal is.
Ben Anderson, meanwhile, is a 17-year-old who has forced his way into the reckoning in midfield or at full-back. The visitors are also boosted by the return of captain Ash Howes following a one-match suspension and Jack Lee from injury.
‘Alresford gave high-flying Hamworthy a run for their money at the weekend,' said Birmingham.
‘It is all about our attitude.’
AFC Portchester face an awkward trip across the Solent to take on Cowes Sports at Westwood Park (7.30pm).
Manager Mick Catlin was disappointed by the Royals' 2-0 defeat at Lymington Town.
‘It is never easy going to the Isle of Wight in midweek and we have a few injuries,’ said Catlin.
Craig Harding and Joe Chamberlain are both out as is Rudi Plummer after he was sent off at Lymington.