Portland United manager Stuart Heath has urged his charges to “hit the ground running” against Wincanton Town tomorrow (2pm).

Like a number of Magna Dorset Premier League clubs, the ongoing cold snap has forced the third-placed islanders to endure a frustrating couple of weeks on the sidelines.

But with the title race well poised, Heath admits his side must be firing on all cylinders when they resume at Moor Lane, weather permitting.

He said: “It’s not easy to come back after a break because you are not sure how you are going to react. All we can do is prepare as well as possible.

“Sometimes you can slip up after a break but we cannot afford to do that – we need to hit the ground running and put a good run of results together.

“Both Weymouth Reserves and Hamworthy Recreation are in the driving seat for the title but ourselves and Westland Sports have the potential to put pressure on them.

“If we keep winning games then we will do that. Weymouth and Hamworthy have to play each other twice yet so points will be dropped, but if we are too far behind we won’t be able to capitalise.”

Nick Etherington, Adam Linaker and Ashley Smith were all on target at Grove Corner two months ago in Portland’s 3-1 victory over Wincanton, who have tasted defeat in eight successive matches.

But Heath insists they should not be underestimated, adding: “The reports I’ve had have said that Wincanton have not always got the results their performances deserved.

“They’ll be looking to bounce back but if we can go there and get a win it would give us a massive boost.”

Skipper Lloyd Cranny has shaken off a groin injury and is available.

Blues (from): Carroll, Wells, Cranny, Welch, Carter, Churchill, Smith, Coggins, Miles, Pattison, Godfrey, Marshallsay, Linaker, Etherington, Beades, Gifford.