DORSET League outfit Gal-axy FC will now be known as Portland Town Football Club.

The name change will swing into action this afternoon when the islanders’ first team travel to Beaminster Reserves in the semi-finals of the Dorset Junior Cup (2.30pm), which is being billed as the biggest game in the club’s five-year history.

PTFC has received full backing and support from Portland Town Council and the Portland town flag has been updated to form the outfit’s new stylish club badge.

The switch is designed to help the club move to the next level and assist plans to develop the Ricol Leisure Arena into a state-of-the-art complex.

Portland town mayor Ian Munro said: “We at the council are delighted to be involved with Portland Town FC.

“The guys, especially Andy Barber, are doing a lot of hard work to provide the people of Portland with an alternative football club to be a part of and the fact they are hoping to encourage more people to take up the sport and get active is excellent news.

“Their plans to have over 200 players on their books this time next year, certainly deserves applauding and if we at the town council can help with that then it is something we would welcome and like to be a part of.”

Barber added: “Obviously it is a little sad to leave the name Galaxy behind but the support and encouragement we have had from the DCFA, Portland Town Council and the players themselves has been over whelming.

“It is really exciting times at the club at the moment and we want to keep building and growing until we are in a situation where we can offer places for all age groups, boys, girls, men and ladies, and those with all abilities.

“The name change makes this dream just that little bit closer to becoming reality.”

As part of the name change, PTFC has spent just under £3,000 on new home kits for all the club’s teams.

Barber added: “We have struck a deal with Ricol Leisure, which will see a financial boost to the club that is closer to five figures than four.

“The deal will last an initial three seasons and if I am totally honest without Ricol the progress we have made over the last year or so just wouldn't have happened.”

Apart from Shane Sheridan and Liam Gould, who are both cup tied, Town have a strong squad to choose from for this afternoon’s cup tie with Lee Rockingham and Matt Bird both back in contention.

Manager Colin Rice said: “We are without doubt the underdogs going into this one and that is something new for us.

“Beaminster play in Perry Street Division One and although they are not enjoying their best season, they will certainly be a hard team to beat, especially on home soil.”

Town (from): Sedwell, Espley, Riley, Bird, Bennett, Lawrence, Russell, Rockingham, McFadden, Stone, Peterson, Cole, Gould, Faulkner, Rice, Djeebet, Whisselle, Hicks.