PORTLAND United manager Brendon King admits his side will be stretched but is looking for other people to come in and stake a claim ahead of their trip to Cowes Sports in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division tomorrow (3pm).

The Blues are hampered with four absentees ahead of the match, as Ross Doidge is out with a hamstring injury, Sam Buckler and Lewis Whyton are suspended after receiving red cards in the 2-0 loss to Bitton in their FA Cup clash while Chris Clarke is unavailable.

King said: “It is going to be a really tough game. They are second in the league, they have started off really well.

“They are always, always more difficult on their own pitch as well for some reason. So we know it is going to be a difficult game. We have got as few missing as well so it is going to be a stretch of the squad.

“We are going to be stretched for sure but it gives other people an opportunity to come in and stake a claim.”

Reflecting upon the reduced squad, King said: “It is what it is, we have just got to get on with it. There is no point dwelling on it. We have just got to get on with it and get over there and get a result.

“We have gone out of two cups in successive weeks so league is our bread and butter anyway. We believe we can get a result.

“I will certainly be looking for a reaction, I will certainly be looking to bounce back.”