PORTLAND United are to be handed a huge boost with four players returning for their Sydenhams Wessex League Cup semi-final at home to Horndean.

Centre-back Lewis Whyton plus midfielders Ross Doidge, Max Buckler and Alex Halloran will return for the Blues, who have struggled for numbers in recent fixtures.

The match was originally scheduled for last Tuesday, but was postponed due to the weather.

When asked if his side are in a better place than last week, Portland boss Brendon King replied: “Probably player wise, we should have a few back.

“We should have Lewis, Ross, Max and Alex all back available.

“So it is going to be tough, Horndean are obviously a decent side so fingers crossed that the weather goes away and we have got a nice night and we can get a few up there and support us.”

The Blues had a tough time on Saturday, losing 3-0 away at Baffins Milton Rovers in league, but had 11 players missing for the match.

However, King feels positive ahead of the Horndean encounter and praised parts of the Blues’ performance during Saturday’s defeat.

“We have got to feel quite positive, there were certain aspects of the game (on Saturday) I was really pleased with. So we will take that into (tonight) with the players we have got back.”