Portland United will be without striker Carl Mutch when they travel to Gosport Borough in the Sydenhams Wessex League tomorrow (3pm).

The former Weymouth front man, who was sent off in the islanders opening day defeat against Cowes Sports last weekend, is unavailable because of family commitments for the trip to Privett Park.

His absence makes an already tough-looking encounter even more difficult, according to Blues assistant boss Micky Greeno.

He said: "Gosport is not an easy place to go and it doesn't help when you lose your centre forward for what is already a difficult game. They are one of the strongest teams in the Wessex League and are quite a formidable force on their own ground.

"We went up there last year with a few missing and got stuffed 6-0. We're determined to do a lot better than that but it won't be easy."

Also missing from United's team sheet is Stuart Heath who has decided to retire from the game after picking up a second serious knee injury in the last 12 months. Meanwhile goalkeeper Paul Gasdby has still to recover from a finger injury and so Nigel Evans again deputises.

On a positive note, United are hoping to include ex-Grove Corner defender Dave Newland in their side if his proposed transfer from Bridport is completed in time.

Greeno said: "Losing Stuart is a massive blow and he's a player we'll find very hard to replace. The lad has had no luck with injuries and we all feel really sorry for him.

"Being without Gads is also difficult although Nigel did well against Cowes and certainly won't let us down. As for Dave Newland, well he's a player we all know well at Portland and so hopefully his move will go through without any hold ups.

"We're going to be weakened and up against it and not many people will give us much hope. But if we can dig in, work hard and match them for effort then we could spring a bit of a surprise."

Blues: Evans, Cullen, Perkins, Rodgers, Walker, Hill, Whalley, Bews, Mason, Morgan, Armstrong, Daly, Hegg, Newland.