PORTLAND United boss Stuart Heath will assess the fitness of five key players ahead of a busy Easter programme.

The Blues, already without the services of injured duo Matt White and Callum Ross-Jennins for the rest of the season, could be missing a further five for tomorrow’s Dorset Premier League trip to Sturminster Newton United and Easter Monday’s clash at title-hopefuls Hamworthy Recreation (both 3pm).

Heath said: “Andy Perkins is back but I’ll be assessing the fitness of five players – John Lamb, John Litherland, Paul Lambert, Sam Clarke and Adam Linaker.

“They’ve all got injury worries so we will see how they are and go from there. Hopefully each of them will be able to play in at least one of the games over the Easter Weekend.

“Injuries happen at this stage of the season because the number of games begin to take their toll but we’ve got a big enough and good enough squad to come through it.”

The islanders remain on course in their bid to retain the league crown and are through to the final of the League Cup.

But Heath is keen to build upon an 11-game unbeaten run. He added: “We’ve got two big games and we can’t afford to start dropping points. These games are important but they are no more important than those previous and the ones ahead.

“The teams below us need to be more consistent in order to overtake us but we will just focus on ourselves and make sure we are prepared for each game.

“The aim when I arrived was to win as many games as possible but now we’ve got ourselves into a great position to be successful.

“The boys want to prove they are the best and I believe they’ve got the ability and character to do the double.”

Portland’s League Cup final opponents should be decided tomorrow as Chickerell United take on Hamworthy Recreation in the remaining semi-final.

Heath said: “I wish Chickerell well. They’ve had a good first season in the league and it would be great for the area if we played each other in the final.”

Blues (from): Carroll, Dailey, P Lambert, Clarke, Cranny, Perkins, Anstey, Philbrick, Litherland, Doidge, Halloran, Marshallsay, Lamb, Reader, Linaker, Whyton.