Horseman: We should relish the challenge

Dave Horseman’s side will be looking to extend their latest run of good form, which sees them losing only once in the past five games across all competitions.

The latest result on Tuesday night saw Saints beat Havant and Waterlooville 3-1 in the Hampshire Senior Cup semi-finals, featuring a squad with plenty of changes and the inclusion of several scholars.

On the result Horseman said: “To have a team out at the age they were and to play, particularly in the first half, how we did to tear a really good team, a really experienced good team, apart as we did it was a great moment.

“A moment for everybody in the academy because they are not just out players, they’ve come through the system.”

Friday’s opponents Bournemouth currently sit top of Group E, with Saints sitting in third and six points off of the leaders going into the match.

A win for Horseman’s side would see them go above second placed Stoke City if the Potters fail to win at bottom placed Nottingham Forest.

“Bournemouth have played a lot of first team players this season,” said Horseman. “Jordan Ibe and Lloyd Kelly who they bought for a lot of money in the summer.

“I just think it’s going to be a great experience and one the players should relish because we have outstanding players.

“We can’t wait for it, especially the way we’re playing at the moment, we’re getting better and better.

“It’ll be a hard challenge. They beat us fair and square at home so we’re up against it but we’ll be ok if we’re playing like we did on Tuesday.”

Ticket information for this fixture is as follows:

Prices:
£5 Adult
£3 Over 65s
£3 Under 18s
£1 Wheelchairs with a complimentary enabler

Tickets can be purchased here.