PORTLAND United manager Callum Brooks wants the Blues to carry more of a creative threat at Brockenhurst tonight (7.45pm).

Brooks’ men lost 2-1 to Bashley on the opening day of the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division season and now travel to a Badgers side that beat Cowes 1-0 on Saturday.

Portland hit just two shots on target of note against Bash. Brooks challenged his players to “unpick the lock” at the Meadens Skoda Arena.

“We do need to carry a threat going forward,” he told Echosport. “What I’m really looking for is certain players that we’ve signed to unpick the lock to earn their stripes.

“It’s early days and lots to play for. We’ve got to very quickly focus on (Brockenhurst).

“That’s the beauty of football, you’re never too far from the next opportunity to get that good feeling of picking up points or a good performance.”

Brooks is working on deals to bring fresh players to Portland.

“Over the next few weeks I’m looking to utilise the loan market,” he said.

“Especially with Poole – we’ve got a couple of players we’re looking to dual sign.

“Everyone’s playing catch-up and there’s a shuffle of players.

“My goalkeeping coach at my football academy plays for (Brockenhurst) and I’ve come up against Brock teams at Hamworthy.

“Their manager Pat (McManus) was there when I was at New Milton, so he’s put some serious years in.

“They’re always a group that enjoy playing together. They’ve got a tight group of friends who have good camaraderie.

“I’d expect nothing less than another seriously tough game that throws up a number of tests.”

Portland have reported no fresh injury concerns, with Sam Buckler coming in for the injured Ross Carmichael against Bashley.