DORCHESTER boss Callum Brooks says he will be looking to top up players’ minutes as his side prepare to visit Portland United tonight (7.45pm).

The Magpies come into this match after a well-fought 1-1 draw with National League side Yeovil Town at the weekend, with Tom Blair getting a first-half goal.

Brooks told Echosport: “It will be a completely different test. We have got links with Portland at the moment, we are looking to get a couple of players over there.

“Again, we have got some objectives going into that game and we will also be looking to make sure we top up a few players’ minutes, there are players who didn’t play (against Yeovil) who did not play as long as what they might have needed to, and there are a couple that we could have done with having a look at but we had bodies at the end of the day.

“If the group carry themselves (in the same manner as against Yeovil) whether we play on the front foot and press, whether we have to defend for long periods, if they display that attitude and togetherness throughout the season then we will be OK because there are good players out there, we have got a really talented group but talent is not always effective if the attitude is not right and the work ethic is not right.

“So that has always been my base – work hard, treat your teammates well and represent the club properly on and off the pitch.”

Portland boss Brendon King meanwhile, says another step up of opposition is what his side want, after they drew 1-1 with Willand Rovers, who are one tier higher as opposed to the Magpies’ two league difference.

King told Echosport: “Again it is another step up which is what we want, if we can take the really good things (from Willand) into that game, we will be in a lot better place.

“It is obviously going to be difficult but it is what you want at this stage. Games coming thick and fast, minutes getting into people’s legs, we should have a few more available to come in (today) as well.

“It is another step in the right direction for us to be playing against a side of the quality of Dorchester.”

Portland have recently benefitted from a firm bond with Dorchester, with striker Eder Batista having joined both clubs on dual-registration.

King added: “It is good, we have got a good relationship with Callum and Trevor (Senior) and if we can help each other out then that is the way we are going to go down.

Meanwhile the Portland United Football Club patrons’ draw will now take place on Saturday after the Blues’ friendly game against Hythe and Dibden.

A Blues spokesman said: “Please come along and support the draw where several prizes are on offer. The main one being to have a sponsor’s business and name on the front of the Blues’ shirts.”

This was to be drawn at the Dorchester pre-season friendly today but Portland need some more time to enable their sponsors to return their application.

If you would like to take part it is £100 for one entry and £150 for two. If you are interested please contact Dave Camp on 01305 861291 or 07975 931199. Portland will still be accepting entries on the day.