Royals are facing up to ‘must-win’ league clash

MICK CATLIN is desperate to see AFC Portchester start to turn their fortunes around as they host Brockenhurst in the Wessex Premier at the Crest Finance Stadium.

The Royals have made a disappointing start to the campaign, winning four and losing three of their seven league games.

After successive defeats at Lymington Town and Cowes Sports, Catlin needs his team to avoid a third loss on the spin.

‘We have been disappointed with our form of late and for me this is a must-win game,' said Catlin.

‘It is imperative that we get three points.

‘When you are not winning games confidence is low and you need to pick yourselves up and go again.

‘We are conscious that we can't afford to drop too far off the pace.

‘Three or four sides are flying at the moment and we need to start flying after them.

‘We need to respond to that and we have a run of three home games now to try to do that.

‘The expectation levels at the club are weighing heavy on a few.

‘It is never easy when you always start games as the favourites but it is something that we have to learn to deal with.

‘In this game you don't get too many weeks without any wins before something is going to happen.

‘We are keen to turn it around and try to get on a bit of a run.’

Catlin is boosted by the news that captain Steve Ramsey could be available again after a shoulder injury.

A second X-ray on the problem area showed that he had not sustained a break.

Ramsey's absence for the past few games has been a huge blow to the Royals.

‘It is not rocket science that when a player like Steve is missing it is going to have an effect,' admitted Catlin.

‘He also has the ability to make other players raise their game around him.

‘Hopefully, we can patch him up and get him out there.’

The Royals have other injury worries to contend with as Craig Hardy and Joe Chamberlain are both ruled out of the Brockenhurst clash.

Catlin is also looking to recruit a full-back to replace Ellis Martin, who the Royals have remained without since the start of the season.