PORTLAND United are in the last chance saloon to make the Wessex League Premier play-offs this afternoon (3pm).

Kyle Critchell’s men must beat Brockenhurst at home to guarantee a place in the top five and an away play-off at either AFC Stoneham or Shaftesbury on Tuesday.

A draw would leave them vulnerable to Baffins, who face Christchurch and sit one point beneath the Blues.

However, the Blues must negotiate a 48-hour gap between games having lost 2-1 to Shaftesbury on Thursday.

Critchell told Echosport: “If I was a player and going into the game, I’d be doing everything I could to roll myself out.

READ MORE: Portland United 1-2 Shaftesbury - report

“Josh (Hickman, coach) has gone to watch Brockenhurst, so we’ll come up with a gameplan.”

He added: “We’ll have to do our homework, make sure we’re prepared. I know the players will give me absolutely everything.

“Our motto has been: ‘Win, lose or draw we’ll stick together’ and enjoy the journey.

“For a lot of these players this will mould them and help develop them as players so, hopefully in the future when they’re in these experiences again they’ll be able to come through them in better fashion.”

Asked how Portland would handle both tiredness and the occasion, Critchell replied: “Tiredness is probably the adrenaline.

“With regards to the game, I can tell the last three or four performances there’s been nerves and jitters. So, that just comes down to their own routines, how they focus on the game and how we deliver our team talks and tactics.

“There’s a lot that goes into it and a lot of work that I have to do with regards to making them ready.

“But what a fantastic position we’re in. Seriously, we’re delighted to be where we are and to have the chance to potentially get in the play-offs.”

Portland have injury doubts over Josh Williams (concussion), Crit Clarke and Jamie Symes.

Entry is pay-what-you-want and admission for under-18s is free.