The Club’s aim for this season, after Tim’s team were Division One Champions in the previous campaign, was to consolidate our position on our return to Southern League Premier South. And with just six games remaining, we are just six points away from that becoming a mathematical certainty. After that 2-1 loss to Havant & Waterlooville on 11th February, The Magpies were hovering above the relegation zone in 18th place, but now, after a remarkable nine-game unbeaten run (six wins and three draws), the boys have risen to eighth.

The season’s record is: W14 D9 L13 GF 44 GA 49; on our travels it’s: W4 D5 L8. In the current form table (last six games) we’re second to Walton & Hersham on goal difference. I’m sure that like me you want to see again those last six results: Frome (h) 1-0, Chertsey (a) 2-1, Totton (h) 3-1, Supermarine (a) 0-0, Plymouth (h) 1-0, and, on Tuesday, Frome (a) 1-0. For me, coming away from the relentless aerial bombardment on Tuesday with a clean sheet was one of the performances of the season: Cam, Drew, Robo, Billy, skipper Jacko and their magnificent mates were absolutely brilliant. And with fantastic travelling support, I must say that I felt proud to be a part of our wonderful Club.

Gosport, however, are at the other end of that current form table having taken a disappointing four points out of the 18 available. Those results have been: Frome (a) 0-0, Plymouth (a) 0-2, Chertsey (h) 0-2, Dorchester (a) 2-0, Merthyr (h) 1-3, and, on Saturday, Bracknell (a) 0-4. That’s left The Borough 13th in the table that matters with a W11 D10 L15 GF 45 GA 54; at Privett Park their record is W6 D4 L8.

You may recall that back in September, under the floodlights at The Wyatt Homes Stadium, an early Matty Burrows goal earned us three points. Since then The Boro have had a change in manager with former AFCB midfielder Danny Hollands stepping up as player / manager when Suraci and Lea decamped to Poole in late January. His record so far is W3 D2 L6. Experienced defender Chevron McLean and England U18 forward Harvey Solley are recent signings by the new boss.  And one to  keep an eye on is Asher Yearwood who has been a regular goalscorer throughout this campaign.

How have we fared at Privett Park in our Southern League days? Wimborne fans might want to skip this paragraph. In Division One we lost 3-1 in our first season, 2010-11, and lost 5-3 in the next. And in Premier South we lost 1-0 in 2018-19, and also lost 2-0 in 2021-22. So that’s played four, lost four. But we know that Tim’s team love to break records, so Saturday is their next challenge!

There’s always a large (average 834) and loud home support at Privett Park, so there’ll be a proper atmosphere at the ground. The Borough, a nervy six points above the red zone, will be keen to take a point or three from the game; The Magpies will be keen to keep their unbeaten run going and move another step closer to preserving their league status. It has all the ingredients for being a cracker. Can you get cruise along the M27 to support the boys? The Supporters Club are running a mini-bus. I hope to see you there. COYM!

Gosport’s Privett Park ground: Privett Road, Gosport, Hants  PO12 3SX  – approx 50 miles

Average attendance: 834

Admission: adults £13, concessions £9, juniors £5 – online prices are £1 cheaper.

Weather forecast: sunny intervals; 11oC; 20% chance of rain.