PORTLAND United could make it a hat-trick of Velocity Wessex League Premier Division victories when they travel to Andover New Street this evening (7.45pm).

The Blues have come through a tricky spell of five winless games, the majority coming against the current top four, by recording back-to-back wins against Laverstock and US Portsmouth.

With those six points boosting them back up into sixth and within a victory of the final play-off spot, currently held by Brockenhurst, the Blues’ promotion dream is back on.

But boss Kyle Critchell is typically only taking one milestone at a time as the Blues are presently two points off beating last season’s tally of 47.

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He told Echosport: “Momentum’s going to be the key to whoever finishes in that top five.

“We’re not looking at that, in all honesty. We’re looking at bettering our season from last season.”

Critchell added: “We’ll look to be positive, on the front foot and aggressive.

“Hopefully, when we turn the ball over, we’ll see some of the combinations that we enjoyed (Saturday). That’s what I want our side to look like.”

Portland secured a stoppage-time 2-1 win over Andover in the reverse fixture and Critchell extracted plenty from that fixture.

“What we learned was that they were a really good side,” he said.

“The league table probably doesn’t justify the quality they have in their side for a team that’s just been promoted.

“They’re going to have their ups and downs like we have had and they’ve signed some good players.

“Any away game in this league is difficult, so we’ll be fully prepared and we know how difficult the task is going to be ahead.”

Josh Williams (knee) and Crit Clarke (calf) are doubtful but defensive duo Shaun Bessant and George Stuttle return after suspension.