AFC Portchester return to league action this weekend looking to build on the momentum of Tuesday night’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Hartley Wintney.

They make the trip to face second-placed Raynes Park Vale in the Pitching In Isthmian League South Central Division after producing their best league display of the season in midweek at The OnSite Group Stadium.

The Royals swept aside Hartley Wintney to move up to 17th in the table. With only seven league matches played so far – the fewest of any team in the division – Gav Spurway’s side know there is still plenty of ground to make up, and three points in south west London would be a huge step towards climbing further.

Portchester will also be targeting something they have yet to achieve this season – back-to-back league victories.

Having shown their attacking power in recent weeks – including the 5-0 win on Tuesday and cup success against Taunton Town – the Royals head to Prince George’s Playing Fields full of confidence.

Raynes Park Vale, however, represent one of the toughest tests in the league right now. Sitting second in the standings, they have lost just twice in their opening 11 matches, recording five wins and four draws.

Their last outing was also against Hartley Wintney on October 4, where they were held to a 1-1 draw. This meeting will pit one of the division’s form sides against a Portchester team looking to build consistency. 

The Royals have already shown they can rise to the big occasion this season, and another strong performance could see them upset the odds and claim a vital away victory.

With momentum on their side and games in hand over many of their rivals, Portchester know this could be the start of a crucial run in their league campaign.

PREVIEW BY DECLAN MURPHY