PORTLAND United boss Franklyn Clarke played down suggestions of taking inspiration from this weekend’s FA Cup giant-killings when the Blues visit Poole Town tonight (7.45pm).

Sky Bet League One side Cambridge United beat Newcastle United – the richest club in the world – 1-0 despite a gap of two divisions.

And there was an even wider chasm of four leagues between National League North outfit Kidderminster and Sky Bet Championship big guns Reading, Kiddy causing a classic ‘cupset’ with a 2-1 win.

While reigning Dorset Senior Cup holders Poole sit two tiers above Wessex League club Portland, ex-Dolphin Clarke would not be drawn on whether the islanders could cause an upset of their own.

READ MORE: Portland United 1-5 Hamworthy United - match report

He told Echosport: “We want to compete and give it our best.

“You have to be realistic and understand the difference of levels and experience.

“How many times have our lads, as a group, been in the semi-final? This is the first time.

“How many times have (Poole) been in semi-finals, finals? How many times have they won finals?

“It’s two sides that are a couple of leagues apart. Experience, miles apart.

“But, we’re going there with a view to get on the ball and play like we normally do. Of course we have to be ambitious and look to be at our best.

“I’m not saying we’re going to cause an upset – that would be stupid of me. We’re just going to go there and give it our best go.”

He added: “A lot of it depends on what sort of side they put out.

“Their game was called off on Saturday, so it depends whether the manager (Tommy Killick) wants to get match minutes into the lads.

“That could have a big part in the outcome. Maybe he’ll go with a strong side and that’s what we’re expecting – a really tough test.”

Portland skipper Ryan McKechnie and Josh Williams are suspended, while star winger Matty Burrows (groin) is injured.

Experienced striker Liam Sayers and Riley Weedon (both knee) also miss out but new signing George Stuttle could feature.