Catlin keen for Royals to gain bit of limelight
THE Wessex League clubs hit the FA Cup trail this weekend in the extra preliminary round.
Premier side AFC Portchester will start as favourites against division one outfit Hythe & Dibden at the Crest Finance Stadium on Saturday (3pm).
Royals boss Mick Catlin is taking nothing for granted.
He said: ‘The FA Cup is a special competition and can boost the profile as well as the finances of the clubs.
‘The players will need to be at it from the word go against a Hythe team that have been together for a few years.’
The home side have a full-strength squad to choose from but Catlin is considering making one or two changes.
Horndean also enjoy home advantage against Combined Counties outfit Camberley Town on Saturday (3pm).
Home manager Michael Birmingham is hoping cup action can spark Horndean into life.
‘In our two league games we have not been fluent,’ said Birmingham.
‘To be honest we have been a bit sluggish and need to inject some more pace and energy into our game.
‘Camberley are always a big powerful side so this is another big test for us.'
Fareham Town face a tricky task at Western League premier division Westbury United.
Reds boss Pete Stiles believes his team can take confidence from their good midweek win at Baffins Milton Rovers.
But they know again they will have to stand up strong and earn the right to play their football in the cup tie against powerful opposition.
‘Baffins is never an easy place to go but we showed good character to come from behind to win,’ said boss Stiles.
‘I have watched Westbury and they are a big physical side.
‘It isn’t the easiest of draws but if we play like we can then it will be fine.’
Connor Messenbird remains suspended and Simon Woods is unavailable.
Baffins Milton Rovers travel to face fellow Wessex premier opponents Alresford Town and will be looking to hit back after the defeat to Fareham Town in midweek.
Division one side United Services Portsmouth are aiming for an upset against their step five Hellenic premier hosts Binfield.