Catlin signs a third FA Vase winner for Royals

AFC Portchester are expecting a real test of their mettle as they host AFC Stoneham in the Wessex Premier at the Crest Finance Stadium (3pm).

Royals manager Mick Catlin regards it as a tough assignment as they look to get back to winning ways in the league.

Both teams have identical league records, having won one and lost one.

Catlin's side opened up with a 3-1 home win against Fleet Town but lost 2-1 in their derby at Fareham Town.

The home side, however, take great encouragement from their 3-2 FA Vase win against Bemerton.

'This is another difficult game because we know Stoneham are a good side,' said Catlin.

'They have been together for a while and possess some good young players.

'They went out of the FA Cup at Frome Town in midweek so they will be looking to bounce back.

'We can take confidence from our Vase success where we came from two goals behind to win.

'The players showed a lot of character and will need to do the same again.

'I was particularly pleased with our second half performance and we must carry that on into this game.

'What we have to do is cut out the errors and stop conceding poor goals.

'It is vital that we get back to keeping clean sheets and establish a platform to build on.

'The team must get back to basics and defend properly as a unit.

'It isn't just down to the defenders and goalkeeper.

'Our workrate is good but our concentration levels have lapsed at times.

'Then we have been found out and we can't afford to keep offering opponents any chances.'

Catlin has strengthened his squad, following up last week’s signing of striker Rudi Plummer from Moneyfields by bringing in Sholing legend Barry Mason.

Mason played over 550 games for the Southampton-based club, helping them win the 2013/14 Wessex League title and the FA Vase the same season.

After playing in the Wessex Premier for Hamble Club last season, he now joins fellow Sholing Wembley winners Pete Castle and Lee Wort at The Crest Finance Stadium.

Ellis Martin remains a major doubt due to an ankle injury.

FA Cup and Vase commitments means that the Royals have lost a little ground in the league.

Catlin recognises the importance of catching up.

'We want to get back to winning ways in the league,' he said.

'It is important that we keep putting points on the board.’

Stoneham were second in the table, five points ahead of Portchester but having played three games more, when last season was curtailed. It was their debut season in the Wessex top flight after winning the Division 1 title in 2018/19.

Scott Hills and Matt Bainbridge netted when the Purples won 2-1 at Portchester last January.