Isthmian League football is finally back at The OnSite Group Stadium as AFC Portchester prepare for a mid-week showdown against in-form Hartley Wintney.

The Royals have experienced a mixed start to life at this level, with two wins and four defeats from six league fixtures so far.

Both victories came in exciting local derbies – a 4-0 home win over Moneyfields and a 3-2 success against Fareham Town in the El Creekio derby.

Those games showed Portchester’s attacking quality, and supporters will be hoping to see that same cutting edge on home turf as the team look to get back to winning ways in the league.

Momentum is certainly with Gav Spurway’s side after Saturday’s brilliant 2-1 victory over Southern League outfit Taunton Town, a result which secured the club’s place in the First Round Proper of the Isuzu FA Trophy. The challenge now is to carry that cup form into the league games coming up.

There’s no doubt that some of Portchester’s strongest performances this season have come in the FA Trophy, but with only six league matches played there is still plenty of opportunity to climb the table. 

The squad will be aiming to build on the confidence and spirit showed during the cup win at the weekend.

Hartley Wintney make the trip south sitting seventh in the table and pushing towards the play-off places.

This will be their first visit to The OnSite Group Stadium since January 2022, when Portchester recorded a 1-0 victory in the Hampshire Senior Cup.

The visitors head into the match following a 1-1 draw at home to Raynes Park Vale on Saturday and they have put together a steady run of form.

With Portchester already demonstrating they can rise to big occasions at home this season, the Royals will be eager to use their recent cup success as a springboard and turn that form into vital league points.

PREVIEW WRITTEN BY DECLAN MURPHY