BLUES’ boss Gary Bailey is searching for silverware as Portland United face Hamworthy Recreation in the Dorset Premier League Cup final at the Bob Lucas Stadium this evening (7.45pm).

The sides go into the encounter mutually vying for a league and cup double, and although both have stuttered in their respective league campaigns as of late, Bailey believes that the two teams will put on a high quality show for spectators.

He told Echosport: “It should be a good game, both teams have had a bit of a tough run recently, but there will be a lot of quality and it’s a good chance for us to pick up a trophy.”

Portland’s Lewis Clarke remains touch and go to be involved after he continues to recover from the hamstring injury he picked up in the 2-1 semi-final victory against Mere Town, but Adam Linaker should now be fit to take his place in the squad.

On the mentality of his troops going into the final, Bailey added: “I think we are going to treat it as we would any other game, it is a nice break for the lads from the league and we will go there to enjoy it.

“It would be nice to have some success and hopefully we can go and deliver.”

Some members of Bailey’s squad will have a point to prove, after they fell at the final hurdle of the competition last year, having been edged out in the final by Holt United.

The last time the two sides locked horns they produced a hard-fought 1-1 draw, with Ross Doidge grabbing the goal for the islanders.

Blues (from): Weeks, Smith, Crouch, Whyton, Carmichael, Newnham, Bessant, Halloran, McKechnie, R Doidge, Mutch, Jansz-Baker, Carlile, B Doidge, Linaker, Clarke