PORTLAND United interim boss Gary Bailey is aiming to hand Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division leaders Andover Town an uncomfortable afternoon tomorrow (3pm).

Andover are flying high at the league’s summit, six points clear of Hamworthy United with four games in hand.

But Portland, who lie 13th, 38 points behind the Bluebirds having played the same amount of matches, are aiming to be “ruthless” in front of goal – according to Bailey.

He said: “It doesn’t get much tougher but we’ve got a good group of lads – the big games we look forward to.

“We know we’re not pitching our battles against them but that doesn’t mean we won’t go up there and perform. We need to be ruthless in front of goal and get that cushion.

“I’ve been very encouraged but we need to take our chances and hopefully we’ll start picking up the wins. The lads are experienced and we always take those games as they come.”

Since Bailey took charge in late January, the Blues have won just once in five games, including successive losses to Portchester and Shaftesbury, but the Blues’ boss is unconcerned.

“We were disappointed after the Portchester defeat because we didn’t perform on the day, but I can’t say that about the Shaftesbury game.

“The effort and quality was there for everyone to see – we’ll take lots of positives out of that. Provided the lads keep doing that and perform to those levels that’s all I can ask.

“We’ll go there and give a good account of ourselves. If we do that we’ll make a tough afternoon for them.”

Alex Godfrey (ankle) and Sam Buckler (dead leg) remain out but Ryan McKechnie and Sean Zima are in contention for the matchday squad.

New signing Robinson Okumu could also feature after signing on dual-registration terms from Wimborne Town.