Southern This could be a season-defining month for us, says Posset’s Sage

PORTISHEAD Town's influential coach Rob Sage insists his fast-rising club find themselves embroiled in a "seasondefining period" which continues at Malvern Town tomorrow.

- Simon PARKINSON

Portishead coach Rob Sage

As though their first campaign at step 4 level could hardly have got any better, Portishead stunned one of the league's ambitious big guns, Bishop's Cleeve, by thrashing them 5-0 in front of a 500-plus Bristol Road crowd on Saturday for a fourth straight victory amid an unbeaten eight-match stretch.

While Tuesday night's away encounter with Falmouth Town this week fell prey to the elements, Portishead face the Malvern meet in Worcestershire tomorrow still in Division One South pole position and wondering what the rest of an extraordinary campaign has in store.

With games to come away at Bristol Manor Farm this Tuesday night (7.45pm); at home to Winchester City and Exmouth Town next Saturday and Tuesday, respectively, followed by a trip to yet another high-ranking outfit in Shaftesbury on Saturday, November 29, Sage feels there are good reasons to keep Posset feet firmly grounded.

"We've been named October team of the month for our division for a reason, of course," he said.

"It's testament to everyone at the club that we've achieved that distinction. Now, early as it still is into our season, I honestly feel we're in a month that will define where we're likely to finish up come the end of it.

"Five of our November opponents are in the top seven of the table, and we know that at some stage we'll be dropping points.

"If we can come out of the month with 15 or 16 points out of a possible 24 from our eight November fixtures, I reckon that will be a very good return.

"It's a big ask to take maximum points from the month when you look at the strength of what we'll be up against."