PORTLAND United face a difficult trip to face Newport (IoW) in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division tomorrow (3pm).

The Blues are breathing down the necks of league leaders Moneyfields, and manager Gary Bailey is keen to maintain his side’s league momentum after last week’s huge victory over fourth-place Sholing.

He said: “It was a big game and including the Sholing game, we had four big games to go before the end the season and that’s one ticked off.

“We still have three massive games to go. Sholing were fourth in the league and it was always going to be a tough one, and it proved that way.

“But we played well and deservedly got something out of that, but its important we back that up on Saturday.

“We’ve secured second place, which is a great achievement, but our goal is to win our remaining three games, even if we do that it could be out of our hands.

“If we do that then no-one can look back and say ‘what if?’. If we win our games then come April 22, whatever will be will be.”

Tomorrow’s opposition, Newport (IoW) currently sit in 12th position in the league, but despite having little to play for, Bailey is adamant they are in for a tough test.

He said: “Newport are a well-established side who are having a reasonable season, and it’s their last home game, so they will want to sign off on a high note.

“They were the last side to beat us in the league, so I’m sure they’ll be keen to the double over us.

“They’re a well-established side and we’ll have to go over there making sure our store’s in order if we’re to come away with a positive result.”

Despite the mounting pressure, Bailey is not looking to change his approach.

He said: “We prepare for each individual game and set up to look after ourselves.

“The lads are in good form and have the bit between their teeth and are hoping we can keep up the momentum we’ve built up over the previous weeks and take them into our last few fixtures.

“We’ll get Saturday out of the way. If we win that then we’ll look ahead to Tuesday’s game with Team Solent.

We just have to break it down and not look too far ahead. If we’re successful in that we’ll tick it off and move onto the next one. It’s what we’ve done all season.

“We’re confident and in good form so we go into games, not expecting to win, but knowing that we’ve got the capability to win, and if we play to our potential then I’m sure we’ll give a good account of ourselves.”

Portland will be without the unavailable Ross Carmichael and Lewis Clarke, while Jamie Beasley and Tom Richardson return.

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