PORTLAND United will be hoping to make it third time lucky when Brockenhurst visit Grove Corner tomorrow (ko 3pm) for a Jewson Wessex League fixture.

The Blues have met the New Forest outfit twice this season and were beaten on both occasions.

"We played them over two legs in the League Cup", explained boss Nick Preston, "and were well beaten both home and away. There's no doubt they're one of the best sides at this level and it's frightening to think that they fielded weakened

line ups against us both times.

"But we've got no trepidation as we prepare to meet them again. Our victory over Hamble in the week was a crucial result and one that means we'll be going into this one brimming with confidence.

"And we can also take plenty of positives from our FA Vase tie against Moneyfields last weekend. We might have lost the game which was very disappointing, but I was delighted with our all-round performance."

He added: "In fact I've been pretty pleased with the football we've been playing all season and we've just got to concentrate on making sure our results match our performances."

The good news for islanders' fans is that their team go into the fixture unchanged from that midweek success, although Preston has added George Leighton's name to the squad to allow him an extra option up front.

Meanwhile one player who has been singled out for praise by the player-boss is teenage utility star Adam Skelton.

"Adam came into the frame during those cup matches against Brockenhurst," said Preston, "and he's basically kept his place since then. He's one of a number of youngsters who Pete Turrell has worked wonders with in the reserves and he fully deserves to be involved with the first team.

"He's quick, fit and has two good feet and the big bonus for me is that he's equally at home both up front or in the midfield."

But while Preston is happy to talk up his players, he's also been quick to warn them about their future discipline after three sending offs in as many weeks.

"First it was Scott Dennis followed by Mark Carter and then James Reeves goes against Hamble after being out injured for weeks.

"The boys know my feelings on the subject because I told them at training last night. I will not tolerate any more ill-discipline."

Blues: Myers, Kenway, Perkins, Carter, Rodgers, Dennis, A Skelton, Whyton, Evans, Whalley, Reeve, Fitch, Leighton, Greeno, Wallis.