PORTLAND United boss Simon Browne has labelled the Blues’ current run of form as a “strange situation” as they prepare to face Bashley away in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division tomorrow (3pm).
Browne’s men have failed to win since the opening day of the season when they beat Team Solent 6-1, but the manager feels his team is not “getting the points” they deserve.
Speaking to Echosport, Browne said that “every game” was an opportunity to gather information about how best to set the team up.
“It’s a strange situation at the moment. We’re playing OK but not getting the points that we deserve. So every game that we encounter is an opportunity for me to learn about the players, to work out what the best formation and best line up for us is.
“We’ve got 17-18 players trying to force their way into the first team. I can plan the squad and think about what the best side is.”
In last season’s corresponding fixture Bashley won 5-2 but Browne is hoping to take advantage of their “indifferent” start to this campaign and avenge that result.
He said: “Bashley have had an indifferent start. I don’t know a lot about their plans for the season but we go into it thinking we should get something out of it.
“There’s something to put to bed with that result last year. Every game we get is an opportunity to put something on the board.
“We’re not too far away, it’s just a case of getting the right people available every week. As the season evens itself out it gives me the chance to start working on some more technical stuff in training.”
Browne is monitoring the situation of Sol Ayunga before the match, with the forward in the reckoning to return to Dorchester Town to ease their striker shortage.
“He’s not got as much game time with us as he wanted. I’m aware that all he wants to do is play football.
“If I’m brutally honest Sol needs to play football at our level but I know striking options are a bit limited at Dorchester,” he said.
Sam and Max Buckler are unavailable for the Blues this week, but Alex Halloran and Lewis Clarke return.
Browne said: “Sam and Max Buckler are not available this week. Alex and Lewis should come back into contention this weekend.
“It will be interesting to see how it works out and I might have to have a few difficult conversations with players.”
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@dorsetecho.co.uk
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