AFC Portchester aiming to continue Wessex Premier title charge - but face tough test against in-form Christchurch

But the Dorset club arrive on an even better run - they will be aiming for a sixth straight league success this weekend.

While Portchester have scored 14 goals in their last four games, Christchurch haven’t conceded in winning five games on the bounce to barge their way firmly into title contention.

The Royals manager Mick Catlin knows Priory, just one point and one place below their third-placed hosts but with two games in hand, will pose a big threat.

‘It is another massive game for both teams,’ he declared.

‘We still have to play each other twice and I am expecting two close contests.

‘Christchurch are an efficient outfit and one of the best teams I have seen in our league.

‘Our winning run has got us into a better position and we must look to take advantage of it.

‘Every point counts and we have to keep winning to keep the pressure on the top two sides.

‘I know it is an old cliche, but every game for us now is a cup final.

‘On paper, we have the least taxing run-in, but we have to disregard that completely.

‘The games against teams in the bottom half of the league can be just as difficult.

‘Every game from now on will be a battle and every point counts.’

The versatile Joe Noakes returns to the squad after being rested for last weekend’s home win over Hamworthy.

He has only just returned from nearly two years out with a serious injury.

Catlin also hopes to have Alex Baldacchino back in contention and his presence will boost their firepower.

But whether Jordan Rose plays his fourth game in a row at the heart of defence depends if Blackfield & Langley wish recall him or not now that his Southern League suspension has finished.

‘This is a game that we have to go out to win or at least make sure that we don't lose,’ said Catlin.

‘Like all the other clubs, we are also concerned about beating the weather.

‘The last thing any team wants is a fixture pile-up at the end of the season.

‘We are not at the stage where we have to play three games a week yet.

‘When you have to do that it puts a lot of extra strain on your squad.’

Leading scorer Max Wilcock fired his 15th goal of the season to give Christchurch a Dorset derby win at fellow high-flyers Lymington in midweek.

Wilcock was Priory’s 28-goal leading scorer when they won the Wessex Division 1 title just two seasons ago.

Portchester will also have to watch out for former AFC Bournemouth youngster Ash Pope.

Pope was last season’s top scorer, with 14 in just 18 games, and last Saturday’s double strike in a 4-0 home win over Fleet saw him take this term’s tally to three from just five outings.