PORTLAND United boss Brendon King is braced for a contest against “a full of beans” Bournemouth Poppies at the Weyline Stadium in Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division action tonight (7.45pm).

King’s men recorded a stunning 12-2 victory over troubled Amesbury Town on Saturday but face a Poppies side against whom they lost twice last season.

Poppies have endured a poor start to the league campaign, currently languishing in 18th having finished third last season.

For King, whose Blues moved up to 14th after their emphatic victory, a continuation of the good habits shown against Amesbury is key to success.

He told Echosport: “Poppies are always a strange side to play against, they’re full of energy and full of beans so it’ll be a tough one.

“They beat us twice last year and deservedly so on both occasions. I thought they were a decent side. I know they’ve lost players over the summer who’ve gone to other clubs for money but it’s going to be difficult. You want to take the good things we did (against Amesbury) into tonight.”

Expanding on the goal-fest against Amesbury, King was pleased with the ruthlessness the Blues displayed.

“To score 12 goals at this level of football is no mean feat,” he said. “It’s alright people saying ‘the other team isn’t great’. You’ve still got to take those chances. You’ve still got to score them and some of the football we played, some of the chances we created and scored were top notch.“I was really pleased with that aspect of things. I’m not very happy we conceded two goals – that’s sloppy from us but overall you’ve got to be pleased with scoring 12 goals.”

Defender Luke King could return, striker Bailey Rowe is on international duty with the British Virgin Islands and Sam Buckler (groin) remains sidelined.