THEY MIGHT BE TOTTERING BUT NO REASON T&E WILL BE EASY

THE runaway league leaders against the fadeaway bottom club - looks like a no-brainer for three more points? The Brickies, however, are surely wise enough after all these early weeks of the season, to realise that there is now an enormous target on their backs - a target that every opposing club would be delighted to hit. So it’s going to be no different at Totton & Eling this weekend. On paper a banker away win - in reality, likely to be a battle with the next team in line trying to get what has become the prestigious scalp of New Milton. This season has been a long old slog for T&E with just one Wessex League win along the way - three points only, from 12 games. That win, however, came only two weeks ago, 3-2 at home to Alresford Town. Since then they have lost 3-2 at Blandford and 5-0 at Sandhurst, so the corner has been only partly turned. A glance down their results list shows not only a long line of defeats, but some heavy ones along the way - 5-0 at Ringwood, 5-2 at home to Hamworthy United, 4-0 at home to Folland, 4-1 at Colden Common and 4-2 at Ash. They’ve also lost 3-2 at home to both Lymo and Whitchurch, with other defeats at Frimley Green and Aldermaston. One chink of sunlight was a decent win on penalties away to Horndean in the preliminary round of the FA Vase, but they were tonked 5-1 at Hedge End in the next round. So the form line, beyond that solitary recent League win, is not convincing - but that won’t stop them having a right go at the big-time Brickies this weekend! And by the way, the Brickies have now been joined at the top of the table by Ringwood, who have the same 28 points, but have played three games more. So Jamie and the lads will welcome some vocal support! If you’re thinking of going to the game, the ground is at the Totton suburb of Calmore, about a 40-minute drive. ADDRESS: Miller Park, Salisbury Road SO40 2RW