MANAGER Ken Vaughan reckons Bournemouth Poppies have found the missing ingredient for their return fixture with AFC Portchester – a goalkeeper.
Poppies were forced to field winger Fawzi Saadi between the sticks as Graham Rix’s men eased to a 2-0 win at the Wicor in October.
But while the Royals have lost just three times in the league this season, Vaughan sees no reason why his side cannot compete with their visitors tomorrow (3pm) on the back of winning their past two home league games.
Vaughan told the Daily Echo: “I thought we dug in and did really well at their place and, if we had a recognised keeper, it could have been a different story. Fawzi did well on the night but it was not ideal.
“This one is a big game for us. It is important to build on what we have managed to do in recent home games and, while we have a few out, we can hopefully give them a real game.”
Vaughan’s son Kenny dons the Poppies gloves.
Poppies: (from) Vaughan, Martinez, Jackson, Burgis, Richardson, Hales, Ingram, Ward, Saadi, Owens, Robinson, Bassiriki, Pekun, Phillips, Rowley.
- Hamworthy United will be looking to extend their six-match unbeaten league run since boss Graham Kemp took charge when they entertain lowly Downton at the County Ground.
Dual-registered goalkeeper Dan Ackerman is set for his Hammers debut.
Hammers: (from) Ackerman, Biles, Hester, Brian, Haysom, Corby, Diaper, Hubbard, Rowe, Cole, Allen, Osborne, Sturgess, Penny, Martin, Legg, Walker, Thomas.
- Verwood Town could blood new striker Carl Foster, a midweek signing from Lymington Town, when they host title favourites Sholing.
Potters: (from) Lynch, Evans, Molyneaux, Joy, Thoroughgood, Kelly, Dancer, Satterley, Gajic, Oldring, Lovell, Saxby, Rutten, Dyer, Hill, Murray, Foster, Sim.
- Christchurch, who have not played a competitive match for eight weeks, are without a fixture.
- In Wessex One, New Milton Town travel to Fleet Spurs, while Ringwood are away to Cowes Sports (all 3pm).
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