PORTLAND United are in a relegation “dogfight”, assistant manager Jamie Symes has admitted.

Symes and new boss Kyle Critchell take charge of their third Blues game since joining when they host Hamble Club at the Camp & Satherley Stadium tomorrow (3pm).

Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat at Christchurch kept the Blues in 16th place but they loiter three points above the bottom two, with Pagham possessing five games in hand on the islanders.

However, since losing 4-0 to Hamble in the FA Vase in September 2020, the Blues have taken ten points from a possible 12 against the Monks.

READ MORE: Christchurch 2-0 Portland United - report

And that record gives Symes extra confidence going into the contest, telling Echosport: “We looked at Christchurch as a potential win.

“It was unfortunate that we didn’t get it, obviously with missed chances and a few decisions not going our way.

“We’re eager to get those first three points on the table, we know how important it is for Portland to stay up and we know we’re in a bit of a dogfight.

“Hopefully we take our chances the next few weeks and we’ll pick up loads of points on the way.”

Portland have also allowed Oli Lowes to join Dorchester Sports in search of more game time, having only made one start in ten appearances this season.

Symes said: “It’s unfortunate for Oli, we came to the game against Blackfield & Langley and he came on for the last five or ten minutes.

“We wanted to be honest and narrow down the squad to a lower number. We turned up and we had 23 players.

“For us, we want to work with a smaller group to get the best outcome. Oli was one of those we didn’t see.

“He came to us and wanted more game time, so we said we’re happy for him to stay in the reserves and work for your place or go elsewhere, get minutes and come back in pre-season so we can have a proper look.

“We need a strong, small squad where we can pick up results quicker.”

Ben Morris (broken hand) is out, Symes will be rested, while Harry Thomas (quad) and Liam Sayers are doubts. Troy Walbridge could earn a recall.