PORTLAND United manager Kyle Critchell insists the Blues’ daunting trip to AFC Portchester tomorrow (3pm) is a “free hit”.

Portchy top the Wessex League Premier Division standings with only one loss from 26 games, ignited by the brilliance of ex-Bournemouth and Portsmouth striker Brett Pitman.

His 42 goals in 33 games this season have lit up the league, including a hat-trick in Portchester’s late 3-2 victory at Portland back in November.

With Portland in 16th, Critchell insists there is little pressure on his young side going into the game.

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He told Echosport: “It almost gives us a free hit, we can play with freedom.

“For some reason the chains are on when they get the ball, they panic.

“We talk about grey areas and for some of them at this level you have to play with freedom and have the correct decision making.

“Hopefully we go there with enthusiasm, we do compete and do the right things. If not, it’s going to be a very difficult afternoon.”

On stopping Pitman, Critchell said: “You have to stop the supply chain as opposed to stopping him.

“You have to stop balls going into the box, try and prevent it at source, which means we have to be a bit more positive in our shape and proactively step out and stop them from playing football.”

Portland were sent to a disappointing 1-0 loss at Bournemouth Poppies on Saturday.

“The lads are young and they’re an honest group,” Critchell added.

“Although they didn’t compete in the first 15 minutes it wasn’t through the want of trying.

“I gave them every warning of what it was going to be in the first 15 minutes – balls in the box, long throw-ins, free-kicks, corners.

“They had that in abundance and we just didn’t manage it. It’s as simple as that.”

Ben Morris (broken hand) remains out but Portland are close to signing a new midfielder.