PORTLAND United travel to Torpoint Athletic looking to earn a rare appearance in the Isuzu FA Vase second round tomorrow (3pm).

Portland have been given one of the tougher draws available, facing a long trip to the eastern edge of Cornwall to play a side currently ninth in the Western Premier League.

They will be looking to improve on recent visits to the first round, having been knocked out at that stage three times since 2016.

The Blues have lost 1-0 to Horndean in 2017, 2-0 at Exmouth in 2019 and 4-2 at Cribbs last season.

READ MORE: Portland United 1-0 Sherborne Town - report

Their last visit to the second round came in 2016 when a 3-2 win at Romsey preceded a 2-1 defeat by Blackfield & Langley.

However, Portland have won seven games in a row in all competitions and go to the Windmills in impeccable form.

Speaking to Echosport, boss Kyle Critchell said: “We go there now with nothing to lose, really.

“We’re going to go there and give it our best shot, we’ll have a good travelling (support), we’ll go there with no fear and see what happens.

“It looks 50/50 in terms of they’ve started the season really well and they’ve played a few more games but we’re fairly similar in league position.

“They’ve got home advantage but hopefully we can go there and cause an upset.”

Torpoint’s game against Barnstaple last weekend was postponed, meaning the Cornish side will have a two-week break coming into the tie.

Asked if Portland could catch Torpoint cold as a result, Critchell said: “Possibly, I don’t know. They might’ve had injuries, I don’t know.

“For us, it’s the fact we’re just turning those games over now. Last season, that run came off the back of Saturday-Tuesday, Saturday-Tuesday and that was positive.

“They can’t wait, they’re really excited and not just for the game because they’re going out afterwards as well!

“It will be better if we win the game and then they go out, but I can’t be happy enough.

“The club’s in a really good position, the feeling, the atmosphere, the people that work here and dedicate their time should be really proud. Let’s keep the good times going.”

Centre-half Shaun Bessant is back in contention after being rested against Sherborne, while Jamie Symes and George Stuttle came through the 1-0 win over Sherborne unscathed.

Critchell added: “I’ve got a difficult decision to make now they’ve kept a clean sheet.

“It’s going to be hard and I’m going to be leaving people out that are unhappy but it’s a squad game.

“I know everyone will understand my decision, they’ll back me and they’ll make the best of it when they get their opportunities again.”

Winners of the tie, which goes straight to penalties if level after 90 minutes, take home £825 and the losers £250.