Heath’s double swoop (From This is Hampshire)

Heath’s double swoop

9:31am Friday 5th December 2008

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PORTLAND United have added Easton United skipper Chris Reader and Weymouth Sports’ Ricky Lane to their squad ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Dorset Premier League leaders Poole Borough (2.15pm).

The duo are Stuart Heath’s first new signings since becoming the Blues’ boss last month. And Heath, who worked with Lane during his time in charge of Sports, is pleased to have them on board.

He said: “We will be including Chris Reader and Ricky Lane in our squad after they signed this week. They are two excellent players who want to make the step up and prove themselves with us and we are delighted to have them.”

Heath has won all three of his games in charge of the island outfit including last week’s outstanding 6-1 victory at Wincanton Town in the second leg of their League Cup first round tie, which saw the Blues overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first meeting.

And Portland’s manager is hoping to keep the good run going when table-topping Poole come to town.

He added: “We are looking forward to the game as we are playing with a good belief and confidence at the moment.

“We know every game against a top-six side is important but we have done well in the last two games against good sides and the players are again keen to show their character and ability, and that they are worthy league champions.

“Poole Borough are where we want to be in the league so the players know the importance of the game.”

Defender Sam Clarke (arm) remains sidelined while Paul Lambert will be bidding to make his first start after coming off the bench last Saturday for his first appearance of the season.

Third-placed Portland lie five points behind Borough but hold two games in hand.

Blues (from): Carroll, Ross-Jennins, Dailey, Perkins, Cranny, Anstey, Lamb, Sharpe, Doidge, Linaker, White, Whyton, Lambert, Lane, Litherland, Halloran, Jones, Marshallsay, Reader.

n Portland quartet Ross Doidge, Adam Linaker, Andy Perkins and Lewis Whyton have been called up to represent the Dorset Premier League in their Western Counties Inter-League fixture against the Gloucestershire County League.

The match takes place at Shaftesbury FC on Wednesday, December 10 (7.45pm).

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