PORTLAND United manager Simon Browne is looking forward to a friendly rivalry in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier League against Hamworthy United who are managed by his friend and former colleague Brendon King, tomorrow (7.45pm)

The Blues are currently ninth in the table on 26 points, two points and one place behind Hamworthy but the Blues have a game in hand.

Portland are currently on a three-match winning streak in the league that has seen them beat Blackfield & Langley, Newport IoW and Baffins Milton Rovers.

The Blues’ boss said: “We had a good result last weekend against Blackfield & Langley so we know that when we’re on our game we’re a match for the best sides in the league and Hamworthy have had a reasonable start to the season.

“Hopefully we will raise our game again and hopefully do the business.”

The Blues are confident after their winning run, as Browne told Echosport: We’ve got a reasonable amount of confidence so hopefully we will take that into the game on Tuesday night.”

Meanwhile, Hamworthy are currently on a four-match losing streak in the league and last time out they lost 3-2 away to Cowes Sports.

The last time Portland and Hamworthy met the Blues were beaten at home 2-0 with goals from Nick Swann and Nathan Walker.

Browne said: “They got one over us when they played us in the league earlier in the season and beat us quite comfortably at our place so it’ll be nice for me to repay the favour.

“So if we’re talking about being friends I’ve let him have a win he should let me have a win.”

The managerial rivalry will not be the only rivalry on display with brothers Max and Sam Buckler lining up against each other, with Max representing Hamworthy and Sam playing for the Blues.

Portland had been scheduled to play Amesbury away in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier League but adverse weather conditions saw the match called off at around midday on Saturday.

Browne said: “It was really annoying, to be honest, a Saturday without football is, when you’ve planned and prepared for the game at the weekend as it is just a bit frustrating.”

The Portland boss doesn’t think that the extra rest will give his side an advantage due to the frustration of having put the team together and prepared all week.

As a result of the postponement, Alex Halloran’s one-match suspension that he picked up against Blackfield & Langley will not be spent until after Portland’s match at Hamworthy tomorrow

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