In the first of two quick fire games at the AEI for the BORO’ …before we play Dorchester next Weds (11th) …our visitors on Saturday (7th) are ‘The Whites’ from Salisbury.

The game is an Isuzu FA Trophy Third Round Qualifying game with kick off at 3pm

Ahead of the game with extracts from the matchday programme, Gosport’s Football Management team outlined their thoughts:

Joint Head Coaches - Pat & Joe

‘Salisbury will be a very tough game today. One of the best sides in our division, playing some really good football. It’s a test that we head into with a squad depleted by illness and injury. Wednesdays side did us proud despite the absentees and we believe todays team will battle in the same way.

Between us, we’ve made hundreds of appearances at this club. At no point have we seen a crowd of over 1000 people (Pompey pre season aside). It really was special on Saturday, and the lads felt the support. It’s a reflection not only of positive results, but the type of football the players are producing. The three home games we haven’t won were all entertaining, high quality draws (Walton & Hersham, Pompey, Welling) and we believe this attractive style of football is a key factor in building the ‘identity’ that we need to have as a group.

Head of Football Operations - Mark

‘This league and level is unrelenting with games coming think and fast, Saturday Wednesday Saturday with no time for proper rest, however I have great trust that Pat and Joe will do the best with what resources we can provide them.

Thanks as ever for your continued support, seeing 1000 plus here last Saturday really added something special to a great cup tie which ebbed and flowed for the full 98 minutes. The support really does encourage the lads and really does create a great match day experience.

Gosport Chairman - Iain

‘I’ve never been involved in any knockout competition where a the ‘rub of the green’ didn’t play a role in advancement and whilst dwelling on what’s just passed I suggest that if there was a ‘rub of the red’ we just suffered it! 8 minutes added on here last Saturday when last night more subs and lengthier on field injuries attracted 5 minutes? No less than five key players going down with a virus the day before match and two others travelling and on bench who were physically sick. Some circumstances faced the lads that played who gave their all stayed in the game created opportunities even when down to 10 men and on another night……..they can be proud of their performance. Good luck to Welling who now face Boro’s version of Gordon Banks (youngsters ask your Dad or Grandad) in the next round.

Today we welcome our old adversaries Salisbury Fc who will provide stern opposition to any progress we covet in the FA Trophy no doubt. I’m sure many of us recall none too fondly a similar tie almost two years to the day and a 1-2 reverse. We’ll need to be at our best to avenge that defeat today without hopefully the need for ‘seconds’ and the frustration of too many minutes.

Gates open at midday - Fans can pay on the gate - Please come early and enjoy the build up to the game.

Come follow the BORO’