Portland take on Whitchurch United in the FA Vase on Saturday (August 24).

Kyle Critchell's side make the trip to Hampshire off the back of their first league win of the campaign against Fareham last weekend,

The Blues are also still unbeaten in the league after draws against Blackfield & Langley and Sherborne. 

An opening day defeat to a strong Hamworthy Recreation is the only red mark against the Blues and they will be hoping to have another good run in the Vase like last season.

Greg Borthwick is in fine form for Critchell's team having scored three in his last three games, but the striker could be unavailable as he is expecting the birth of his child.

Whitchurch come into the tie on a poor run of form after losing their opening three games. 

Defeats to Hamworthy United, US Portsmouth and Clanfield mean the Jam Boys are currently languishing in 18th place in the relegation zone of Wessex League Division One.

With that said, it is a cup match, and Critchell knows his side must take the game seriously despite being favourites for the tie.

Speaking to Echosport, he said: "I think you have to take that into consideration [Whitchurch form] and look for a professional away performance.

"Any game away from home can be difficult and tricky and the key point I will be making to the players is be professional and we will be diligent in our planning and we will want to go there and win and get through to the next round.

"We are favourites but we have to go there and goals score goals and hopefully we can go on a FA Vase run like we did last season.

With the squad carrying a few knocks and having been without six players last weekend, Critchell could have been forgiven if he fielded a weakened side to allow players to rest.

However, the Blues boss is keen to maintain the momentum they built with last week's win over Fareham.

He added: "Consistency is key, but we do have a small squad at the minute and they are carrying a few knocks.

"We will make changes if needed and the 16 to 18 players in the squad we have can all step up into any of the the roles required and that's why you have a squad so everyone can pitch in."

There is also some good news on injuries and player availability as well. 

Pat Jenkins returns to the fold and could step in for Borthwick id he is called away to the birth of his child, and Crit Clark and Shaun Bessant return too.

Kick off at Long Meadow is at 3pm on Saturday, August 24