MAGNA DORSET PREMIER LEAGUE
STUART Heath wants to see his side’s stunning form on the road start to be replicated at Grove Corner (3pm).
The Portland United boss has watched his men pick up maximum points in their last three away games, scoring 20 goals in the process, but at home things have been very different.
Successive defeats on the island against Chickerell United and Wincanton Town have seen the Blues slip a little adrift of the early pacesetters in the Magna Dorset Premier League and Heath is desperate for that picture to change.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s home clash against Merley Cobham Sports (3pm), he said: “Away from home we have been playing with a bit more freedom and we now need to transfer that into our games at Grove Corner.
“There is undoubtedly a bit of pressure on the lads to be up there challenging for silverware this season but in order to be successful you need to learn to manage that and that is why we have been trying to get the players to enjoy it a bit more.
“We have now got back-to-back games against Merley at home, the first one in the league and the second in the cup, and hopefully we can put in a performance in both.
“Andy Perkins and Lloyd Cranny both missed the victory at Blandford United last weekend but they could return tomorrow, along with Ashley Smith but we shall just have to wait and see.”
Bridport Reserves entertain Tintin-hull at St Mary’s Field (3pm) where they will be without suspended duo Tristan Gale and Gary Bulman.
Jamie Fry, Dan Peart and Ben Clarke are also doubts through injury.
Bees’ boss Steve Crabb said: “We have just had two tough games at Westland Sports and Hamworthy Recreation, and were a little unfortunate to come out of them with nothing, even though I thought that would probably be the case.
“Our performances in both games were good and although Hamworthy deserved their victory, we were unlucky to lose by the odd goal at Westland where we deserved at least a draw.
“We have also picked up a few suspensions and injuries recently, which is a worry, as they could end up costing us but all we can do is get on with it and try and bounce back against Tintinhull this weekend, which will be another tough game.”
Weymouth Reserves travel to league leaders Westland Sports (3pm), while Chickerell United are without a game and get to enjoy the novelty of a free weekend.
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