Champions sign off

The Blues retained the Dorset Premier League title last Saturday before bagging a double on Tuesday night with success over Chickerell United in the League Cup.

The shootout victory over the Chickens though, was marred by the sad death of Chickerell midfielder Josh Evans’ father, who suffered a fatal accident while travelling to the Wessex Stadium showpiece.

To show their respect for Rob Evans’ passing, the Blues will hold a minute’s silence prior to this evening’s kick-off.

Manager Stuart Heath said: “Tuesday night was a fantastic game and a great advert for local football but what happened certainly cast a shadow over everything.

“There are some fantastic people at Chickerell FC and they will give Josh all the support he needs. At Portland our thoughts go out to him and his family.

“A lot of our players know Josh and we’ll be having a minute’s silence before tonight’s game as a mark of respect.

“We all hope that Chickerell finish second in the league now as we feel that both teams are the best two in the league and we have a lot of respect for each other.”

He added: “The players all want to play tonight and they want to finish the season on a high to show their thanks to the supporters who pay to watch them.”

Last year the islanders rejected promotion to the Wessex League due to financial reasons and the club’s hierarchy is set to meet in the near future to discuss next season’s options.

Heath said: “The club’s committee will meet in the next couple of weeks and make a sensible decision based on a lot things, with the main one being finance.

“Players want to challenge themselves at a higher level but we’ve got to make sure we’re ready for it financially.”

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

* Chickerell United’s game against Holt United at Weymouth College tonight has been postponed as a mark of respect to Josh Evans and his family.