AFC Portchester return to league action as they welcome Metropolitan Police to The OnSite Group Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
After a challenging run of fixtures, the Royals will be eager to produce a strong response and get back to winning ways in front of their supporters.
Gav Spurway’s side fell to a 2–0 defeat to Egham Town in the Velocity League Cup on Tuesday evening, and they’ll be determined to put that disappointment behind them as attention turns back to the Isthmian League South Central Division.
The Royals currently sit 16th in the table with 15 points from 11 games, having won five and lost six games so far this campaign.
With only three points separating them from Saturday’s visitors, the game represents a chance for Portchester to close the gap and push towards the mid-table zone.
Consistency has been the key talking point in recent weeks and turning solid performances into points will be crucial as the season develops.
Metropolitan Police make the trip to Hampshire sitting just three points ahead of the Royals after a mixed run of form.
Having played 13 matches, they’ve recorded five wins, three draws and five defeats – the most recent coming on Tuesday night when they lost 4–2 away to Harrow Borough in the league.
That result will give Portchester added belief that they can take advantage of any uncertainty in the visitors’ ranks, though the Met remain a well-organised and competitive outfit capable of posing problems.
Home form could prove vital for Portchester in the coming weeks, and The OnSite Group Stadium crowd will once again play their part in driving the team forward.
Manager Gav Spurway will be hoping his side can harness that energy and deliver a winning performance.
With both sides level on wins this season and separated by just a few points, Saturday’s clash promises to be a competitive and entertaining affair.
A victory could lift the Royals up the table and provide the perfect response to midweek disappointment and they’ll be determined to make home advantage count.
PREVIEW BY DECLAN MURPHY
