PORTLAND United will aim to return to the winner’s enclosure but face the unenviable task of beating AFC Portchester away tomorrow (3pm), weather permitting.

Kyle Critchell’s men have not won since the 6-0 thrashing of bottom side Lymington Town in mid-January, slipping to ninth in the Velocity Wessex League Premier Division.

Adding to the difficulty tariff, Portchester have only been beaten once in 14 home league games this season, while Portland have taken three wins in 10 away matches.

And with Portchester firmly on track for the play-offs, Critchell is realistic about the Blues’ chances this weekend as they enter a manic period of nine fixtures in March.

“That definitely raises some difficulties,” he told Echosport.

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“We have to make sure we look after our players’ welfare from a physical aspect. To play games that quickly it’s very difficult.

“Our first priority is to make sure we plan accordingly and the second is to obviously pick up as many results as we can.

“We’ve had a difficult run of late with regards to playing Baffins, Portchester, Stoneham and then we’ve got Portchester again.

“Hopefully things will ease off and we’ll start to pick up some results.

“At the same time, we’ll have to take every game as it comes and hopefully have people available. It’s going to be a big challenge.”

Portchester squeezed home to a 1-0 win over Portland in January and the Blues have learned plenty about their opponents.

“They’re in the top four because they score a lot of goals from set-pieces,” Critchell said.

“Something I try to instil in our side is the basics, and they do that very well. So, we’re going to have to be very resolute, strong and defend our box.

“I know that’s normally a given but against sides like Portchester they don’t think about it, and it’s normally with good quality.

“On the other hand, we’ve got to try and pose a threat. We’ll work hard at training to do that.

“We’re not afraid and we’ll try and attack it in the way we do at Portland United.”

George Stuttle and Shaun Bessant (both suspended) miss out but Jack Delves and skipper Josh Williams return.