PORTLAND United manager Gary Bailey is looking for a sharper start from his side as they prepare to face Newport (IoW) tomorrow in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division (3pm).

Last time out, in the 0-0 draw with Brockenhurst, Portland had a difficult first half before coming back into the match with great chances through Tom Bearwish.

Bailey said: “We will be looking for a sharper first half performance. I thought we were sluggish against Brockenhurst. We will be looking to put that right, make sure we start well and be looking to kick on and hopefully get a positive result.

“A couple of weeks ago against Cowes it was the other situation, we were very sharp and we took our chances when they came, scoring four goals in the first half and that allowed us to go on and dominate the game.

“I have to credit Brockenhurst for it. They gave us a really tough game. It was not for a lack of trying from either team to go and try and win it.”

Portland face a struggling Newport side who are second from bottom in the table with 19 points, seven places and 24 points behind Portland.

Bailey said: “They are having a tough season at Newport. It is a good club, an ex-Southern League club and it is a nice place to visit.

“It is a nice old ground and they are having a tough season but they are fighting for their lives so you have got to be very wary.”

Alex Godfrey is unavailable for the Blues but Ryan McKechnie and Lewis Clarke are in contention after unavailability in midweek.