AFC Portchester are back at The OnSite Group Stadium tonight (Tuesday) as they host South Park Reigate in the Isthmian League South Central Division.

The Royals will be aiming to return to winning ways following Saturday’s narrow 1-0 defeat at Hanworth Villa – a result which didn’t reflect the balance of play but once again underlined the need to be more clinical in key moments.

Despite the loss, recent performances have shown clear signs of improvement, and Portchester head into this fixture looking to build on a run which has seen them lose just twice in their last seven league games.

Saturday’s game at Hanworth followed a now familiar script away from home. The Royals created good openings throughout the match and enjoyed long spells of control, but the final touch in front of goal eluded them, while the hosts converted the one clear chance that came their way.

With this fixture being back on home soil, Gav Spurway’s side will be looking to translate the positives from recent displays into points on the board – particularly with a packed schedule still ahead.

Tuesday’s visitors currently sit ninth in the South Central table with seven wins, three draws and eight defeats to their name. They will arrive looking to bounce back from their 4-2 defeat at Moneyfields at the weekend.

South Park have shown they can be dangerous in the final third but, like the Royals, have struggled for consistency in recent weeks. 

Their last few league outings have produced plenty of goals, and they will pose a threat if given time and space in attacking areas.

Spurway has been encouraged by the growing cohesion within the squad and the impact of players returning from injury.

“We’re improving every week,” he said after the recent 4-4 draw away at Westfield. “We’ve tweaked a few things and the performances are starting to show. 

“The more players we get back up to speed, the stronger we’ll become.”

With four more games to come this month, the manager knows the whole squad will be needed as Portchester try to continue pushing up the table.

PREVIEW BY DECLAN MURPHY