Harris misses out on Portland's Senior Cup mission (From This is Hampshire)

Harris misses out on Portland's Senior Cup mission

9:00am Friday 2nd November 2012 in Hampshire Sport By Adam Summers

Portland United will be without experienced midfielder Andy Harris for tomorrow’s trip to Poole Borough in the second round of the Dorset Senior Cup (1.30pm).

The Blues have won 10 games out of 11 in all competitions so far this season and they are determined to keep that form going as they continue to battle on all three fronts.

United boss Chris Wilson, whose side booked a place in the last eight of the Magna Dorset Premier League Cup last weekend, told Echosport: “We just want to keep the momentum going.

“We are going well at the top of the league and we want to go as far as we can in the cups as well.

“If we can get to the Christmas break still fighting on all three fronts we will be more than happy but we have a month-and-a-half of hard work ahead of us first before that can be achieved.”

When Portland travelled to face second-bottom Borough in league action back in August they came away with a narrow 2-1 win and will once again go into this weekend’s clash as huge favourites.

Another team that will fancy their chances of picking up another victory tomorrow will be Chickerell United.

They have won their last four in the Magna Dorset Premier League, in which they have racked up 14 goals, but this weekend’s encounter at home to Tintinhull (2pm) could be a tricky one.

Boss Maurice Welch said: “I think it will be tough against Tintinhull. They appear to have really got it together over the last few weeks and are one of the most in-form sides in the league, along with us, so we will need to be at our best.

“We have put together a great run just lately but it is important we keep that going now to keep the pressure on those above us.”

The Chickens currently sit sixth, just six points off the top.

Weymouth Reserves are also in good shape at the moment as they bid to complete a double at Swanage Town & Herston (2pm).

The Terras captured a 3-0 win at Days Park last weekend in the League Cup and looking at their current form you would not bet against them repeating the feat tomorrow.

Joint-boss Jake Richmond is airing on the side of caution though. He said: “Tomorrow is going to be a big challenge for us.

“Not only have Swanage got five players set to return but it is also going to be a huge test of our attitude.

“The fact we beat them last weekend will have no bearing on this game and if we are to continue our recent form we are going to need another big performance – we cannot afford any complacency.”

Richmond’s men lie eighth and are currently five unbeaten.

Finally, Bridport Reserves travel to Cranborne (2pm) looking to make amends.

Bees’ boss Robin Townsend was highly critical of his side following last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Poole Borough and is keen to see a reaction.

He said: “There were no excuses for that performance and tomorrow I will be looking for a response because some of them really are in the last chance saloon.

“If they do not start performing on a consistent basis then I will look to bring in some of the younger ones at the club.

“Our job is to find players that are going to learn and step up to the first team, and in recent weeks some of them have not been taking on board what we have been telling them.

“In general our away form has not been too bad so hopefully we can go to Cranborne and put in a big performance for the full 90 minutes.”