We return to FA competition action on Saturday with a trip to Hampshire for an FA Trophy Second Round tie at Gosport Borough.

Gosport Borough, compete in the Southern League Premier South where they presently occupy sixteenth position with 17 points from their 13 games and it should be noted that they have as many as three games in hand of many of the clubs further up the league table. On Tuesday evening they collected a draw from their home game with Dorchester Town that ended 2-2 with goals from Alfie Stanley and Danny Hollands.

Gosport’s run to this round of the FA Trophy started in early October when they progressed from the Third Qualifying Round via a penalty shootout at Poole Town after a 1-1 draw. This brought our old National League South friends from Taunton Town to Privett Park, who were impressively disposed of by five goals to one, coming back from a goal down at the break with goals from Dan Wooden (2), Bradley Tarbuck, Stanley and Asher Yearwood.

Among the Gosport squad that might ring bells with Angels supporters are Danny Hollands, now aged 39, but with massive experience having previously been with AFC Bournemouth, for whom he made almost 200 appearances, Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth. Prior to joining Gosport he had five years at National League Eastleigh where he made over 150 appearances. 

Charlie Wassmer, who made his way into the EFL with Cambridge United, but might well be remembered for his time at Margate.

Gosport, it has to be said, are quite free scoring at their level with 23 year-old Stanley leading the pack with 12 goals this season following his signing from AFC Totten. Just one behind, on 11, is Dan Wooden who celebrated his 500th appearance for the club earlier this season.

For the Angels, supporters can welcome back Charlie Pegrum, who this week signed on a three month loan from Leyton Orient and Jay Saunders has intimated that there might be a further new signing added to the squad.

Jay Saunders looked forward to the game in his interview following his side’s 6-1 Kent Senior Cup win against Beckenham Town: “The Trophy is another competition that a few rounds and you’ve got an opportunity of another Cup run.”

Our last visit to Privett Park was in October 2013 when the home side ran out 2-0 winners in a Football Conference South fixture.

Privett Park itself has a clubhouse bar named The Boro Club and freshly cooked hot food can be obtained from Jock’s Snack Bar.

There is free parking at the ground but this is limited in number and is expected to fill quite quickly. Otherwise there is street parking around the ground. Sat Nav users are advised to use PO12 3SY as their destination.

Train travellers will need to alight at Portsmouth, as there is no railway station at Gosport, and then will have the novel experience of taking a four minute ferry ride from Portsmouth Harbour over to Gosport.

There is a classic old grandstand with a modern hospitality area attached whilst on the opposite side there is a modern stand that can house another 300 seated. Both ends have uncovered, flat hardstanding. 

Admission prices are: Adults £13 Concessions £9 Under-16 £5 Under-12 Free, available online HERE  or with cash or card on the turnstile.

And finally, should the game be level at 90 minutes, it immediately goes to penalties.

Enjoy the game!