Having picked up just two points from the last 18 the Humbugs will face by contrast an Isle of Wight team that has collected 13 points in their last six matches.

United enjoyed a rare 4-2 away win when they last ventured over the water to play Cowes Sports before Christmas.

But a point would be a prized return for Hayling boss Mark Poulton, whose side have slipped down into 18th place in the Wessex League Premier Division.

History however, suggests three points is the least likely return, from the club's stats.

Poulton said: "The last time we went over we beat Cowes but that was the first time Hayling had ever won over the Solent.

"It won't be easy because Brading have picked up, collecting 13 out of the last 18 points.

"It is never easy going across the water because the players often think it is a jolly and are not mentally prepared."

But Poulton can take some encouragement from the fact that four of United's six victories this season have come on the road.

And the United boss is at also boosted by the return of striker Nathan Paxton who will lead the line having opted to go and watch Pompey beat Southampton 4-1 in last weekend's FA Cup clash at St Mary's.

Poulton also expects skipper Jack Salter-Vaile and fellow midfielder Billy Huntley to recover from injury and illness doubts, along with experienced defender Sean Thurgood and Graeme Gillman.

With central defender Nick Taylor having left the club, Poulton will have to find a new defensive partner for Thurgood.

Hayling United v Brading Town (Away KO 3pm): Harrop, Walker, Wall, Oliver, Thurgood, Way, Case, Salter-Vaile, Gurney, Gillman, Paxton, Huntley, Uddin, Greenway, Wakeley.

POULTON'S team will have to wait for the chance to book a cup final place this season.

Tuesday night's Portsmouth Senior Cup semi-final against Paulsgrove was postponed.

The winners will play either Petersfield or Locks Heath in the end-of-season final.