PORTLAND United stand on the brink of history when visiting Wells City in the Isuzu FA Vase second round tomorrow (3pm).

Kyle Critchell’s men could reach the third round for the first time in their existence with victory over the Step 6 Somerset side.

They reached this stage after beating Torpoint Athletic 4-2 on penalties after a stalemate in round one.

Portland’s record this season against Step 6 clubs is superb, having beaten Totton & Eling 5-3 and thumped Romsey Town 7-0 in the Wessex League Cup.

READ MORE: Torpoint Athletic 0-0 Portland United (Blues win 4-2 on penalties) - report

However, Wells have lost only once at home in the league this season and knocked out Portland’s fellow Wessex League Step 5 team Laverstock & Ford on penalties in the first round.

Speaking ahead of the giant tie, Critchell told Echosport: “Going into Saturday, this is our biggest game of the season.

“We’re not going to hide from that, we’re really excited and we’re hoping we can get into the next round.

“When it comes to cup competitions it’s a lottery, I firmly believe that.

“With home advantage that definitely gives them the confidence that they can create another upset. That’s potentially what it could be, but we’ll do the best we can to plan and prepare.

“For this game, I really do think we need to focus on what we do well and how we want to conduct ourselves on the day.

“If we do all those things right we can win the game, for sure. It’s all systems go.”

Commenting on Portland’s record against Step 6 clubs, Critchell feels the Wessex League’s Division One is weaker compared to the Western League’s second tier, in which Wells currently sit ninth.

He said: “I actually believe the Western Leagues are stronger than this side, if I’m going to be completely transparent.

“In my belief, Torpoint would be a top-eight (Wessex) side and Wincanton would manage in our league quite comfortably.

“We really do have to focus on us in training, go over some of those mistakes we made against the big boys and see if we can rectify those with confidence and freedom. It’s all there to play for.”

Portland will continue to rest George Stuttle as the defender nurses multiple knocks, while some Blues players are recovering from colds.

Crit Clarke is likely to continue in the left-back’s absence following his return to the club.

“We’ve probably now started to add a bit of experience which we needed,” Critchell added.

“Crit is an excellent lad, so he can pass on some of his knowledge to the younger lads. He’s not as fit as he needs to be, he’s the first one to say that, so we need to build him up.

“He offers us more than what he does on the pitch and that’s why he’s been brought into the club.”

Winners receive £900 with the losers £275. Penalties will be called for if games are level after 90 minutes.