PORTLAND United boss Kyle Critchell insisted he will “take the positives” from Saturday’s stalemate with Petersfield Town, ahead of a “physical” test at Blackfield & Langley.

Blues were forced to settle for a point at Camp & Satherley Stadium on Saturday, drawing 0-0 with mid-table Petersfield.

It is now a quick turnaround to a midweek trip up to Blackfield tomorrow, Portland hoping to move back up to sixth in the Wessex Premier Division with a victory.

Reflecting on the draw with Petersfield, Critchell told club media: “We just couldn’t break them down. We tried multiple different ways and we just couldn’t get that elusive goal.

“I think it is a testament of how far this club has come that teams are coming to us now, respecting us much more and sitting in and making it difficult.

“There’s lots to work on, but definitely not a negative for me. We will take the positives. That’s the difference between us and the next tier, having that extra bit of quality in the final third that gives us the winning goal.

“I think their league position probably doesn’t do them justice, in my opinion. Maybe teams just up their game when they come here, but I thought they were fantastic.”

Discussing the contest with 15th-placed Blackfield & Langley at Gang Warily, Critchell added: “We’ve got a few walking wounded. We’ll have to see where we’re at on Tuesday night, with regards to what is available to us.

“But we’ll go with positivity. We’re three unbeaten. We know how difficult an away game at Blackfield is. They’ve started to pick up some results.

“I think it’s a lot more physical than Saturday’s game. That was very tactical.

“I think Tuesday will be a lot more physical. I imagine the ball will be in our box a lot more and in their box a lot more.

“We’re just going to have to roll our sleeves up, win the battle first and foremost and see if we can stamp our authority on the game.”