PORTLAND United are leaving no stone unturned in their approach to Sydenhams Wessex League football, as they hit the beach earlier this week to maintain their fitness work.

The Blues, currently top of the pile in Wessex Division One, were put through their paces ahead of the weekend’s clash with East Cowes Victoria at Grove Corner (3pm).

Speaking about the session, manager Gary Bailey told Echosport: “We had a good fitness session out on the beach.

“Critch (assistant-manager Kyle Critchell) took the lads for a couple of beach runs and we did some sprints and a bit of hill running just to keep ticking over.

“They all bought into it and that’s the kind of attitude that has put us where we are currently at.

“We are happy with where we are with our fitness, it’s just a case of maintaining it. We have finished games well because of it and we don’t want to slack off on that side of things.

“The lads know it’s a step up this year and I can’t fault their approach to it. Critch had been great as well, he has put some good interesting sessions on and the lads’ attitude has been superb.”

Tomorrow’s encounter sees Portland take on the league’s whipping boys last season in Victoria.

They finished with just one win, five points, and a goal difference of -97 in the league last term after conceding 115 goals in 28 games. East Cowes were also given an 11-0 thumping at the hands of Bridport in last season’s FA Vase.

But, with the visitors taking six points from their opening five games this time around, Bailey wants the Blues to remain focused.

“I think they only got five points last year but they have improved over the summer,” he added.

“They are sitting mid-table and they had a good win last week against Alton, who are a decent side.

“If we take our eye off the ball it seems that any team in this league is capable of beating anybody else.

“It’s like any league, it doesn’t matter if you are in the Premier League or a Sunday pub league. If you are top of the table teams want to come and beat you.”

Ross Carmichael and Ross Doidge are both unavailable for Portland this weekend but Adam Linaker is set to come back into the squad. Bailey also revealed that he could also have a new signing involved.