FORMER Portland United boss Stuart Heath couldn’t be happier with the success the Blues are enjoying at the moment – and he knows his Dorchester Town side will need to be on their toes if they want to avoid exiting the Dorset Senior Cup at the hands of the islanders.

Magpies’ first-team coach Heath returns to Grove Corner tonight (7.45pm) as the county town club look to progress to the last four of the competition against the Blues, who are flying at the top of Sydenhams Wessex League Division One.

Heath, who played for and then managed Portland before leaving for the Avenue, has many fond memories of his time with the island outfit, and is loving seeing them flourish after making the step up from the Dorset Premier League.

“My first year as manager went really well, better than expected,” he told Echosport. “The next two or three were okay but we didn’t achieve what I wanted us to achieve.

“It was a bit of a transitional period in terms of personnel and we didn’t push on as much as I would have liked, but I learnt a lot from that period, both good and bad.

“I’m absolutely delighted that they made the step up to the Wessex League and I’ve got no doubt that they will get promotion to the premier division.

“I think they will win division one this season, and they deserve to with the players, management and staff at the club.

“They’ve got some really good players and a management set up with Gary Bailey and Kyle Critchell.

“I’m not surprised they are where they are at the moment.”

Looking ahead to tonight’s quarter-final, Heath added: “We go there expecting a very tough test against a team that is flying.

“Our players are going to be tested in terms of their professionalism and mental approach, although they should have it within themselves to cope with the occasion.

“It’s no secret this competition isn’t our top priority but after losing in the final last season we’d like to go one better this time around.”

In tonight’s other quarter-finals, Gillingham Town host Hamworthy United and Poole Town entertain Sherborne Town.