Efficiency key in islanders' trophy hunt (From Dorset Echo)

Efficiency key in islanders' trophy hunt

5:30pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in Sport By Adam Summers

CHRIS Wilson wants his Portland United side to be more efficient as they continue to strive for a league and cup double.

The second-placed Blues are unbeaten in nine games in all competitions but their cautious boss still wants more, particularly following last weekend’s dramatic 5-4 victory over Weymouth Reserves in the semi-finals of the Dorset Premier League Cup – a tie they won with two goals deep in injury-time.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's league trip to Parley Sports (3pm), Wilson told Echosport: “Taking nothing away from Weymouth, I don’t think we can play as bad as that, individually or collectively.

“We always look like we are going to score goals but the defensive aspect of our game has not been brilliant of late.

“The lads are aware of that and it is something they know we have to put right, particularly with so much on the line.”

Adam Linaker picked up a foot injury and is a doubt this weekend while Jimmy Dailey is still struggling with a knee problem.

As for the Terras, they face a tough trip to Poole Borough (3pm) with a depleted squad.

Charlie Holland and Lee Sharpe are both unavailable, Liam Greatrex is still injured and Matt Camp, Andy Hind and Jamie Perry are all suspended.

Joint-manager Jake Richmond said: “Last weekend’s result was hard to take but we cannot feel sorry for ourselves, we need to get straight back on it.

“We are down to the bare bones but it is still a case of getting back to basics and carrying on the development.

“Last Saturday was all blood and thunder but this week I want to see us get the ball down and start playing again.”

Chickerell United will be out to get back to winning ways following last weekend’s frustrating stalemate against Cranborne.

The Chickens, who host Merley Cobham Sports on Saturday (3pm), failed to take their chances against the Cranes, causing them to drop two precious points in their hunt for a top-four finish.

Boss Maurice Welch said: “The performance against Cranborne was good but on the day we failed to turn our dominance into goals.

“If we can put in a similar display this weekend but this time take a few of our chances we should be okay.”

Dan Welch and Liam Miles are both expected to return to action for Chickerell but Nick Etherington is still unavailable.

Meanwhile, Bridport Reserves travel to Sherborne Town Reserves in the semi-finals of the Dorset Senior Trophy (2.30pm).

The Bees have lost their last four in the league but with Sherborne lying bottom of the table they will fancy their chances of getting through.

The winners will face either Milborne Sports or Poole Town Reserves, who will meet at the same time at Lane End, in the final.

Milborne, who won the Intermediate Cup last season and currently lie third in Dorset Division One, knocked out Senior League outfit Upwey & Broadwey in the previous round but they will have to produce an even better display to go any further.

With the Dolphins sitting in mid-table in the Wyvern Premier League they are clearly hot favourites to lift the trophy.