ALEX Pike admits he may have overstepped the mark earlier this season by predicting his Gosport Borough side would win the FA Vase.
Pike, who famously lifted the trophy in 1992 with Wimborne Town, hadn't bargained on being drawn away to Sydenhams Premier title rivals and unbeaten league leaders Totton in tomorrow's second round!
"I know I said we'd win it, but I didn't think we'd come up against our biggest rivals in the Wessex League. I bet all the other clubs are really happy with this draw!" he said dryly.
"Totton have got home advantage as well and I have to say that when we drew 0-0 with them in the league down at our place, for 70 minutes Totton were by far the better side.
"They're strong in midfield and they've got pace and physical presence all round. I don't always like the way they play, getting the ball forward so early, but that's not to say our style is right and theirs is wrong. Looking at the league table, you'd have to say both styles are right."
There was a time early in the season when Pike must have feared that lack of goals would prove Gosport's undoing.
But all that has changed lately with Borough finding the net ten times in their last two SWL outings against Bemerton and Hamworthy.
Neil Scammell's return from long-term injury has made a huge difference and, having let ex-Saint Mark Peters return to Basingstoke, Pike is now convinced that Stuart Findlay is the man to partner Scammell.
He said: "Stuart epitomises the professional attitude of a non-League player. His fitness levels when he came to us from Bemerton were shocking, but he's got his head down, worked hard and his workrate and unselfish play have been superb.
"I used to envy Totton their front two (Floyd Hamodu and Mark Osman), but not any more. In Stu and Neil Scammell we've got two very good players and I think we can match Totton now."
Reminded of Pike's boast that Gosport would win the Vase, Totton chairman Richie Maton shrugged: "Football's all about opinions and if Alex feels Gosport are going to win it, fair play to him.
"I'd rather go about my business in a quiet, mild fashion, but you need people like Pikey in football. Without them there'd be no get up and go."
Both clubs should have a full squad to choose from, although Totton midfielder Jamie Austen is awaiting confirmation of a fifth booking which could mean a one-match suspension.
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