‘STAND up and be counted’ was the message from Portland United manager, Brendon King, as his side face AFC Portchester at the Weyline Stadium today (3pm).

The Blues are currently third in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division, level on points with Portchester in fourth, who also have a game in hand.

The two sides are also the leading scorers in the division, Portland, with 33 goals, beating Portchester by one.

Speaking to Echosport, King said: “I think the message to the players will be to carry the form that we have had over the last few weeks.

“Play with confidence, enjoy it, play with a smile on their faces. Stand up and be counted.”

Portland have not lost in six league games, while their opponents have won four of their last six, most recently losing 1-0 to Fareham on October 29.

King continued: “There’s a lot of football still to be played.

“It is a big game. They have a game in hand on us, so it is as big a game as they have come in the league for us, but it is not going to define our season.

“They have got some good players and some experienced players. In terms of what we need to do; we have to be better than them on the day.

“We must be more clinical. We know we are going to create chances and we have to take those chances.

“It will be a very close game and a very good game, so we are looking forward to it.”

Speaking of the dangers Portchester possess, King said: “Their forward players are really good.

“They have an experienced manager and have experienced players through their spine. It will be the toughest test in the league so far.”

Portland last played on Tuesday night, losing 4-1 to Poole Town in the Dorset Senior Cup.

Despite the score line, however, King insisted there were certain aspects of the game that we were really good for his side.

Portland have been on superb form in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division of late, winning five of their last six and scoring 25 goals in the process, including a 12-2 thrashing of Amesbury Town.

The Blues will hope to carry that impressive form into their top-of-the-table clash with Portchester, who will be eager to bounce back from their recent defeat.

However, Brendon King will be without Chris Clarke and Maxwell Buckler who are both unavailable. The Blues boss confirmed everyone else is available.

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