AFC Stoneham will look to close the gap on league leaders AFC Portchester when they take on Blackfield and Langley at Stoneham Football Lane Complex in the Wessex Premier League.
The Purps have won their last 18 games in a row in all competitions and sit 3rd in the Wessex Premier League, with leaders Portchester siting 14 points ahead of the Purps having played four games more.
Looking ahead to the game against Blackfield & Langley, manager James Phillips said: “The boys have been dealing with a tough schedule and after Saturday’s hard-fought match, it’s great that we can rotate a few players to cope with fitness. “These lads don’t need any more motivation; they want to win every game and that’s what we want to do.”
Having finished 2nd last season, and just four points behind league winners Moneyfields, Stoneham will be hoping they can get over the line and achieve that long-awaited promotion out of the Wessex League.
Their opponents, Blackfield & Langley, are in 18th place and are struggling desperately for form.
Despite being overwhelming favourites for the clash, Phillips remains humble and acknowledges how every match is different.
“Whatever team we play, the Wessex Premier League is unforgiving and relentless, something we found out in the run in last year.
“It’s clear that Blackfield & Langley are in a tough spot, but they’ve picked up a couple of wins away from home in recent weeks and they’ll make it very tough for us.”
With many games in hand against the teams above them, Phillipps will be desperate to maintain the Purps’ winning streak.
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