PORTLAND United enter an enticing December with the visit of Hythe & Dibden to the Camp & Satherley Stadium tomorrow (3pm).

Kyle Critchell’s men are also up against a number of teams near the foot of the table, including Bournemouth Poppies, Christchurch and US Portsmouth, the latter in January.

And, with the potential for a hatful of points, Critchell is eagerly awaiting the next clutch of games.

Critchell will also return to the dugout after missing last week’s 1-0 loss at AFC Stoneham with Covid.

Ahead of hosting 19th-placed Hythe, he told Echosport: “At this stage of the season and with the weather the way it is, some of those games start to become more difficult to win.

READ MORE: Sky is the limit for Portland United, says Kyle Critchell

“Pitches start to change and it’s about conducting yourselves in the right manner and approaching the games the best you can so that you get those points.

“But, I agree, the next five games are winnable but some are difficult. We’ll take everything into consideration before we plan.”

Asked if Portland go into the game as favourites, he said: “I don’t think so, we probably over-achieved at the start of this season.

“What we’re really excited about is another home game. Our home form has always been fantastic and it’s a game we feel we can attack and hopefully have more possession than the last couple.

“We don’t feel pressure about that. It looks like Hythe have struggled but I know they’ve made a few signings, so it will be a different side to the one we played earlier on in the season.”

Portland United’s only question mark is over Greg Borthwick as the Blues await news of a possible suspension for their top scorer.