PORTLAND United manager Gary Bailey insists that places are still up for grabs for players to cement their spots in his starting XI for the opening game of the season.

The Blues, promoted to the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division for the upcoming campaign, put the finishing touches on their pre-season schedule when

they take on Wincanton town tomorrow.

The game has however been forced to have a change of venue, due to ongoing work on the pitch barrier at Grove Corner. That means the friendly will be played at Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre, on the artificial surface (7.15pm).

With a trip to Verwood Town first up in their league schedule on Wednesday (7.45pm) the Blues are also set to train on Monday in preparation to kick off the new campaign.

And the island chief admits he still has some decisions to make on his final selections.

“We have this game (against Wincanton) and a training session on Monday,” he told Echosport.

“We will assess everyone’s performances in those two sessions and will make a decision on who has looked the sharpest for those to go with at Verwood.

“We have been really pleased with everyone’s pre-season to be fair.

“There will be some racking of brains over the next few days between myself and the coaching staff to finalise, not just the squad, but the starting XI.

“There is still an opportunity for everybody to claim a place.”

And while competition for places is high in the Portland squad, Bailey will not risk those carrying knocks for the final friendly.

Gareth Will’s ankle injury kept him out of training with the Blues earlier this week, there are also slight concerns over Tom Richardson (groin), Alex Halloran (foot) and Ed Bastick (dead leg).

“We have another week and I don’t envisage any of them being out of contention for next Wednesday, it’s just a case of being sensible,” the island manager added.