AFC Portchester return to The OnSite Group Stadium this evening (Tuesday) looking to bounce back quickly from Saturday’s defeat at Raynes Park Vale.

They welcome Westfield in this Pitching In Isthmian League South Central Division game – the first of three home league games in seven days.

The Royals were beaten 3-0 away at high-flying Raynes Park, a result which leaves Gav Spurway’s side sitting in 18th place in the table with three wins and five defeats from their opening eight league fixtures. 

However, with Portchester still having played fewer matches than almost every other team in the division, there is plenty of opportunity to climb the standings and three points on home turf would represent a significant step in the right direction.

Westfield are another side with plenty of games in hand, having played just seven league fixtures so far. They currently sit on four wins and three defeats and, like the Royals, will be looking to respond to a set back last time out after losing 1-0 at home to Hartley Wintney – the side Portchester convincingly beat 5-0 at The OnSite Group Stadium a week ago.

That contrast underlines the unpredictability of the division so far this season and with both teams eager to push up the table, this fixture promises to be a closely fought encounter.

For Portchester the game is a chance to quickly put the disappointment of Saturday behind them and re-discover the attacking spark that fired them to such an emphatic win against Hartley Wintney. 

The Royals are still seeking their first back-to-back league victories of the campaign and three points at home this evening could prove doubly important in shaping the early-season picture.

Momentum has been difficult to build but the Royals know that re-discovering the energy and sharpness of recent home performances could make all the difference under the lights this evening.

PREVIEW WRITTEN BY DECLAN MURPHY