MANAGER Graham Kemp is primed to record a home victory when he emerges into the tactical area at Western Way for Bemerton Heath Harlequins’ penultimate clash with big-spending Blackfield and Langley.

Heath’s new boss prepares for his home debut on Saturday (3pm) after four straight games on the road since taking over from predecessor Ian Chalk.

Two defeats, one win and a draw have seen the newly-turned 50-year-old take four points from a possible 12 at the start of his tenure.

But despite a mixed bag of results, the committed boss says he wants to end the season with two strong performances as well as trialling new things.

“I am looking forward to it,” he told the Journal.

“It gives Jim Totczyk (assistant manager) and I a chance to put on a show for the home crowd and show that we’re moving in the right direction.”

“The Wessex Premier has been taken back by Petersfield (leaders) and Saturday will be a good way to gauge where we are. We’ll be able to see how close we are against a top side.”

Saturday saw Bemerton put in a giant effort to scrape back a two-goal deficit after Carl Steadman’s brace had put Alresford 2-0 up at half-time.

Graham Mankin smashed a piledriver from 20 yards and two goals from prolific Scott Joyce put the visitors on the brink of victory.

But up popped Jamie Bentley to strike late on as it ended 3-3 at Arlebury Park.

Kemp, who lives in Poole, added: “The second half performance was the best I’ve seen since I joined the club.

“We tried a few things out and our using league games as experiments.”

“Many players have committed themselves verbally to next season and the senior players are fully behind me. We’ll see how many sign when I get the signing forms out in the next couple of weeks!

My aim is to add more local players to the team.

I’ll see how we go and if I need to, I’ll go further afield for players.”

DAVE Bassett is the guest speaker at Bemerton Heath Harlequins’ sportsman’s dinner on Saturday night. The former Saints', Leicester City and Wimbledon manager will be sharing a variety of escapades and pranks of the 'Crazy Gang' at the club from 8pm. For tickets, contact Steve Slade, chairman, on 01722 331925.