Portland boss Nick Preston has urged his players to make the most of some unexpected good fortune tomorrow.

The Blues had been due to travel to face Clevedon United in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase at the Hand Stadium.

But instead, due to a set of bizarre circumstances, the tie has been switched to Grove Corner (3pm).

Preston explained: "Clevedon United share Clevedon Town's ground and the landlords have a Dr Martens Western Division game there tomorrow. I think the next thing we looked at was playing on Sunday but again, I believe, there's

another function arranged at the ground.

The third option was to play tonight but apparently the venue is close to some pubs and night clubs and

so there's a bit of an issue with safety and crowd control.

"Because we couldn't sort it out, it was thrown back to the FA to deal with and they've ordered Clevedon to give up home advantage and play the game at Portland."

He added: "From our point of view that's great. I would have fancied our chances

up there but I think we're in with a fantastic opportunity of progressing at home.

"It's a bit of good fortune that we weren't expecting and so we must ensure we take full advantage."

Having watched the visitors in action at Bournemouth Poppies in pre-season, the Blues chief is confident of a victory over the Screwfix Direct Division One team.

Following last weekend's gut-wrenching 4-3 defeat at Highworth Town in the FA Cup, the Blues are determined to enjoy a decent run in the Vase.

"The thought of last week's last-minute defeat still hurts," added Preston, "and we need to get it out of our system with a convincing performance tomorrow.

"The lesson learned at Highworth is that we must shut down games when we're in a good position and not keep chasing results when a

draw would have been acceptable.

Omens

"I watched Clevedon and was fairly impressed. They're strong, lively and well organised but there's no question we're good enough to beat them.

"A run in the Vase is just what Portland is crying out for and we're determined to do well. Being at home is something we didn't expect and so maybe the omens are with us."

Dave Whalley, who missed the Highworth defeat, returns to take his place in midfield while Mark Carter continues at the back after recovering from a hamstring injury. But there's still no place for captain Alan Rodgers who is out with a back problem.

Meanwhile Andy Mason, who would have missed out through injury, begins a six-week ban tomorrow following two sendings off last season.

Blues: Myers, Bews, Wallis, Carter, Reader, Evans, Whalley, Turrell, Perkins, Evans, Laws, Reeve, Naylor, L Dailey, J Dailey, Preston.