PORTLAND United are embracing what is expected to be the Blues’ most difficult fixture of pre-season when they meet Poole Town at Shaftesbury this evening (7.30pm).

Two divisions separate Step 3 side Poole from Step 5 outfit Portland, who have so far impressed in three friendlies this summer with 12 goals.

However, Kyle Critchell’s men will find the going far tougher against Steve Tully’s Dolphins, who are expected to provide a big response to their 3-1 loss to Bashley on Friday.

Critchell told Echosport: “It’s one that we’re all really excited for.

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“I’ve got a really good friend in Burbs (Luke Burbidge, assistant) and it’s going to be an extremely tough challenge for us, we know that.

“We know that the first three games we’ve had a lot of the football and we’re going to have to prioritise and work extremely hard to keep our shape and organisation.”

Critchell also made clear he does not expect the Bashley result to be Poole’s main motivation in performing well this evening.

He added: “You’re trying to mould the team in your principles and image, so I’m not overly concerned about any type of reaction.

“At the same time, players want to win and they’re competitive. For a lot of our players, it’s about identifying the levels between them. It’s a good benchmark for them.”

Critchell has also spoken of this fixture marking a turning point in the summer as the Blues delve more into tactics and philosophy ahead of the new season.

He said: “We’re starting to really nail down some of the finer details of what I expect of them.

“We’ve got flexibility in what our shape will look like but at the same time our principles remain the same.

“Hopefully over the next three games, regardless of results, the performances (reflect) what we want them to do. I think they’re excited for the challenge.

“We’re going to come up against some really good sides in our league where they’re going to dominate possession.

“In football, you’re on the ball for an average of about a minute and 50 seconds max. So, what do you do for the other minutes?

“We’ve got to be organised without the ball and, at the same time, we’ve got to take the game to them.”

Harrison Bruton and Jacob Coombs (thigh) return, while Connor Callow is close to full fitness.