PORTLAND United boss Stuart Heath has not been surprised by Chickerell United’s meteoric rise in the Dorset Premier League this season and he is urging his table-toppers to be on red alert tonight when both sides meet at Weymouth College (6.30pm).
The Chickens beat Hamworthy Recreation in a dramatic penalty shoot-out on Saturday to set up a Dorset Premier League Cup final date with the Blues and Heath reckons the villagers will be full of confidence going into this evening’s local derby.
He said: “It is a big game. Chickerell have had a great first season in this league and they deserved to get to the cup final on Saturday.
“But for local people in the area I don’t think it has come as a big surprise. Over the last couple of years they have done very well and I think most people fully expected them to be a top-six side this season.
“As for us, we have just got to maintain our focus and concentration. A couple of months ago I said the most consistent team out of the pack at the top would be the ones to go on and win it, and so far that has been us but there are still four games left and a lot more work to be done.”
Meanwhile, Chickerell boss Maurice Welch is crossing his fingers it will not be unlucky 13 for his side tonight.
United are unbeaten in their last 12 games, claiming nine wins and three draws, and Welch reckons this evening’s clash has come at the right time despite his men having gone through 120 minutes at Magna Road at the weekend.
He said: “Saturday was very tough but we could not wish for a better game to follow it. If you cannot get up for a local derby against the league leaders then you cannot get up for any game.
“Of course fatigue in the latter stages could come into it but the lads are very much looking forward to the game and want to keep their good run going.
“I think Portland are going to win the title now regardless of tonight’s result but both teams will not want to lose and I am expecting another very close encounter.”
Portland, who remain five points clear at the summit, reverted to a 3-5-2 formation in their 3-0 win at Blandford United on Saturday but Heath refused to confirm whether he is going to stick with that system despite being delighted with the performance.
Jimmy Dailey and John Lamb will return to the fold for the Blues while Chickerell will pick from the same squad they took to Hamworthy.
Callum Ross-Jennins and Matt White will both miss out for the islanders with Nick Etherington still sidelined for the Chickens with a rib injury.
Chickens (from): A Weeks, Henley, Biles, L Weeks, Daniels, Graham, D Welch, Miles, Evans, Hall, Sibley, Smith, White, Coltart, Beads.
Blues (from): Carroll, Cranny, Clarke, Perkins, Dailey, Marshallsay, Hallor-an, Litherland, Lambert, Doidge, Dixon, Lamb, Whyton, Reader, Linaker.
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