Portland Red Triangle captain Matt Gomm is confident that his side can compete in Dorset League Division Three this season if they can get a consistent team out.

The islanders nearly slipped down to Division Four last season, but ended strongly to stave off the threat of relegation.

However, Gomm knows it is key to get his best players out on the field on a regular basis for them to compete.

“We’ve had a good pre-season,” he said. “We have a very small squad again to pick from because it’s hard to lure people over here when you have the likes of Wey-mouth and Dorchester nearby.

“We are probably selecting from 13 or 14 again this season. If we can get them out regularly we can be competing in the top half of the league.

“But players have university and football commitments over the first few games so it would be good if we could pick up some points from the first few games.

He added: “I wouldn’t take the job on if I didn’t think we were capable.

“We had an awful start last year and picked up towards the end but there were certain times in the season we were relying on second team cricketers who perhaps weren’t ready.

“We are trying to progress again to where we were seven or eight years ago. We’ve got a thriving youth set up but there is a big step up from under-16 cricket.

“If we can turn out our best 11 every week we’ll be in the top half but I can’t guarantee who is going to be available.”

Former Portland player Jon Dixon has been coaxed out of retirement while Gomm is also hoping 16-year-old Simon Proffitt will make a big contribution.

Second team captain Grant Neven would like to see more teenagers challenging for first team spots during the season by impressing with his team in Dorset League Division Eight South & West.

Neven said: “I would like to see us nurture the up and coming youngsters within the club and hopefully with a blend of youth and experience we can be challenging for promotion.”

He added: “We have to concentrate on our own performance, give 100 per cent and hope lady luck will be smiling down on us too.”