‘It’s about coming in, performing and playing well’

Bournemouth FC will travel to high-flying Petersfield Town on Saturday, and it couldn’t come at a better time for summer signing Jake Cope.

Signed from Step 3 side Gosport Borough F.C in July, midfielder Cope has been a standout performer in an inconsistent Poppies side who sit 11^th in the Wessex League Premier Division table.

Currently on four goals for the club, including two in his last two games, Cope has gained plaudits from within the club including Bournemouth manager, Phill Brown, who described him as a “real asset to the club.”

On his time at the club, Cope said: “When I joined [the] Poppies in the summer it’s just all about coming in, performing, playing well, playing regular game time, scoring goals and getting assists.”

“It’s good to be helping the team out and being on a decent little run of form.”

He added: “I’ve come from a higher level, so I always knew there was going to be a little bit of pressure when coming in.”

The Poppies travel to Hampshire in good form as they have won their last two games, against Hythe & Dibden and Wincanton Town respectively, but will face stiff competition in the form of second placed Petersfield Town.

Despite this, Cope is positive on the Poppies chances: “We’re in a good bit of form.”

“We’ve won the last two games so I think I can impact the game quite a bit and hopefully go out there and get three points.”

Petersfield will hope to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat last Saturday against current table toppers AFC Stoneham.

It was their second loss of the Wessex League season since they were defeated 3-1 by Christchurch in August.

The Poppies’ most recent lineup saw Jonny Davis return in defence, with Jake Adams in to replace Lewis Brown as the former AFC Bournemouth development squad player sought pastures new.

Bournemouth manager Phill Brown can be expected to line his side up in similar fashion, but Joshua Rose could return to the side after his absence last week.

Defender Hamza Tallal could also return to the starting lineup, after he featured from the bench following a spell on the sidelines.

If the Poppies make it three wins in a row, they could rise above Portland United in seventh, however that is dependent on fellow Dorset sides Portland and Christchurch dropping points.