PORTLAND United are tasked with extending their unbeaten record when they collide with Poole Borough at Turlin Moor tomorrow (3pm).

Stuart Heath’s side have won one and drawn three of their opening four Magna Dorset Premier League fixtures, which puts them currently in seventh place in the standings.

Tuesday night’s victory over Bridport Reserves was full reward for their endeavours and manager Stuart Heath is determined not to let the momentum slip.

However, he has admitted to being concerned at his players’ propensity for conceding early goals, which was evident against both Bridport and Sherborne Town Reserves.

Speaking to Echosport, Heath said: “We have played pretty well so far and have come up against some good teams in that time. There have been some strange results this season but we have done okay.

“There are areas we need to improve on but we are aware of them and are working on them. It’s just a case of staying patient, improving individually and as a group.

“I don’t want to carry on the habit of conceding early goals. I was fearful of how we would react when it happened again on Tues-day, but they showed a lot of character and belief in their ability.

“The players want to keep the unbeaten run going for as long as possible, even though we would have liked a couple more wins.”

Poole have made an uncharacteristically sluggish start to the season but did register their maiden victory on Wednesday evening thanks to a 2-0 defeat of perennial strugglers Cranborne.

The Hornets are languishing down in 13th spot but Heath has no doubts that their form will pick up and that they will challenge for a top-six place.

He added: “Poole have a very good side and have gone for experience this season. They have under-achieved for a few years now, but their start won’t have affected them.”

Heath, who will definitely be without the unavailable Tom Coggins, will assess Joe Charles’ foot injury before deciding whether to include him in the squad, but Steve Churchill does return to the fold.

Blues (from): Gifford, Wells, Austin, Cranny, Charles, Carter, Miles, Smith, Etherington, Beades, Marshallsay, Godfrey, Pattison, Churchill, Turrell.