PORTLAND United are set to host Bridport for a pre-season derby clash tonight with both sides having their eye firmly on the start of the season (7.45pm).

The islanders are pleased with their progression so far and are looking to continue their pre-season progress.

The Blues’ manager Brendon King appreciates the challenge and will have an 18-man squad for the encounter.

King said: “It will be a good test for us, they had another good season last year they have got some good players, it is another game working towards August 4 for us.

“It is quite handy because we have got Clevedon in the FA Cup (August 11, 3pm) so they are in the same league so it will give us an idea of where we are at when we face them.”

King is keen not to worry about the result, highlighting that the matches are more about what his side gets from them.

King said: “Like we said at the first game of the pre-season it is not about the actual result it is about certain things that we want to do and things that we are trying to achieve.

“So far we can take something out of three games we have played so in that respect it has been

good.”

The Bees meanwhile, will be hoping to avoid further injuries, with five set to miss out the match.

Matt Condliffe was injured on Wednesday’s defeat at Exmouth and will have a further examination today to know the severity of the injury.

Bridport manager Adam Fricker said: “Pre-season has been frustrating from our perspective because we have picked up some injuries, not serious injuries but we have made some decisions.

“So people like Chris McGrath, Kameron Andrews and Andy Martin will not be playing in anymore pre-season games, we need to make sure they get the rest and so they are fit and ready for the start of the season.”

Fricker admits the enforced absences from his squad are frustrating in terms of the quality of squad he is able to put out.

Fricker said: “It is a bit frustrating in pre-season because we are not able to field the strongest possible team that we have at our disposal display.”

The good news for Bridport is that Richard Hebditch has recovered faster than expected from a broken foot and will be in the squad for today, while Leighton Thomas is back from the Cayman Islands.

Fricker expects a good game from Portland, whose manager Brendon King he knows well.

Fricker said: “It will be a good game it will be a tough game we know that, they have got a few ex-Bridport players but it is a team that been together for quite a while and I know Brendon King quite well.

“I am sure it will be a good, competitive game played in the right spirit and we will need to be at our best.”

Fricker echoed the sentiment that it is less the result that is important but more how the players perform and get back their sharpness.

Fricker added: “likewise pre-season is not about the results it is about getting the minutes on the board and just ensuring the lads are doing what is expected of them.

“We will be going up there just looking to get some crucial minutes into some of the lads.”

Portland are also nursing a couple of knocks but had a 2-1 win at home to Yate Town on Saturday.

Lewis Whyton scored in the first half, while Jacob Read struck to win it in the second half.