Portland United will be out to make it three Sydenhams Wessex League wins out of three at Grove Corner tomorrow.

And on paper, the Blues, who have opened their account with single goal victories at Cowes Sports and Downton, have everything in their favour.

For starters, the islanders will have the backing of their own fans for the first time this season against a Blackfield and Langley (3pm) side who have they have never lost to.

Add to that the fact manager Nick Preston can name an unchanged side for a third successive time, it all bodes well for another three points haul.

Preston said: "When I sat down with the fixture list back in the summer I was obviously concerned about our opening two games. Both were away from home against tricky opponents and it wasn't the sort of start I would have asked for.

"But the boys were determined to make a good early impression and to pick up six points out of six has been a tremendous achievement.

"Of our three opening matches, this home one against Blackfield is the one we'd earmarked for a home victory and I'm confident we can make it three wins of three. Our record against them has been very good over the past couple of years and we've certainly got nothing to fear.

"We're confident, but we won't be complacent," he added. "I read somewhere that their manager has brought in about ten new players over the

summer and so chances are they'll be a better team for it. They lost their first game 3-0 at Newbury on Saturday but that result's hard to judge because not too many sides will go up there and win this term."

With youngsters Jimmy Dailey and Dave Wallis having performed so well at the back in the Blues unbeaten start to their campaign, the islanders could well boast three of their best and most experienced defenders on the substitute's bench tomorrow.

Andy Turrell will definitely be one of them with injured duo Alan Rodgers (back) and Mark Carter (hamstring) set to join him.

"Both Alan and Mark are close to comebacks," revealed Preston, "and so we could be in a situation where our first choice defenders are all on the bench. But all three understand that I can't change a winning side and both Jimmy and Dave have been outstanding so far.

"I suppose the positive side of that is that it shows what strength in depth we have at the club and that's what you need if you're going to be taken seriously at this level."

* Preston is sending former physio Mole Harper to watch the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round game between Highworth Town and Shortwood Town tomorrow. Portland travel to play the winners in the Preliminary Round of the competition next Saturday.

Blues: Myers, Bews, J Dailey, Reader, Wallis, Evans, Whalley, Perkins, Reeve, Laws, Mason, Tizard, Turrell, L Dailey, Rodgers, Carter.