‘We can be a match for anyone in our league’
Shaun Wilkinson expects Baffins Milton Rovers to move up a notch as they host Hamworthy United in the Wessex Premier at the PMC Stadium (3pm).
He wants them to put their disappointing FA Vase exit, losing on penalties to Bashley, behind them.
The Dorset visitors, managed by ex-Gosport striker Tim Sills, are highly fancied to be one of the contenders for the title and Wilkinson accepts they present a potent threat.
'Hamworthy have a good manager who has signed some good players,' he said.
'Any team that can finish above them, Christchurch, AFC Portchester and Horndean will have done well.
'So far we have put in some good performances and some not so good performances.
'It is disappointing to already be out of the FA Cup and FA Vase.
'Now we have to focus on the league and this is an important game.
'We are still unbeaten in the league and if we get the ball down and play our football can be a match for anyone in our league.
'It is important that we keep concentration and don't give away soft goals.'
Wilkinson is boosted by the return of striker Kurt Watts and defender Adam Brice from injury. Neither of the pair have played in 2020/21 yet.
Nathan Kirby is rated 50/50 and fellow midfielder James Cowan has been struggling with illness.
Horndean are looking to return to winning ways as they make the trip to face Bashley in the New Forest (3pm).
The joint-leaders suffered their first Premier Division defeat in losing 3-0 at Christchurch last weekend.
Manager Michael Birmingham recognises his team have made a good start despite that setback in Dorset.
'A lot of teams will come away from Christchurch empty handed,' said Birmingham.
'I was happy for the first 75 minutes but after that we let ourselves down.
'We have talked about it and how to address the problem.
'It is never easy going to Bashley because they always work extremely hard. If you stand off them they have the ability to be one of the best footballing sides in the league.
'They are strong going forward.' They certainly are, with Harry McGrath hitting 26 league and cup goals in 2019/20.
He was followed by Lewis Ross (15), Conor Whiteley (12) and Harry Morgan (11).
Morgan has already netted five times this term while Whiteley has four, including two in last week’s FA Vase tie at Baffins Milton.
Birmingham has an increasing number of injury problems in the camp so is looking to sign a couple of reinforcements in time for the game.