Blues boss Kyle Critchell admitted that he will have to promote youth as he struggles to name a squad of 16 players for today's clash against AFC Portchester.

As previously reported, Portland United suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat at the Camp and Satherley stadium last weekend to Hamworthy Recreation FC.

The result sees the Blues sit in ninth place in the Velocity Wessex Football League, with five points from their first four games. They have a goal difference of zero.

Saturday’s visitors, AFC Porchester, have won all three of their league fixtures heading into the clash and have only conceded one goal.

 Speaking exclusively to the Echo, Critchell said: “We had a tough game last week but they don’t come tougher than this. Two really difficult home fixtures to contend with back-to-back and we will have to look and see who is available. Portchester are a very good side and they will definitely put the ball in our box.”

“Honestly, we’ve had to take a step back and right now we can’t name a regular starting 11 or 16 so we are definitely going to have to look to call up the reserves or under 16 players.

“We have a lot of young players we are trying to support, sometimes the results are as they are, but we want to develop those young lads so they can develop and learn from the older lads.

“We will have to look at who’s available as we have had quite a lot of injuries. We want to be in a good position and we are hoping to turn on a proper performance full of energy. We are looking to enjoy the game and bring it to them.