Islanders seeking first-game revenge (From Thisisdorset)

Islanders seeking first-game revenge

8:49am Friday 22nd August 2008 in

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PORTLAND will be out for opening day revenge tomorrow when they begin their quest to retain the Dorset Premier League title with a clash against Hamworthy United Reserves at Grove Corner (3pm).

The Blues lost 3-1 against the Hammers at the County Ground in the first game of last season only to go unbeaten in the league for the rest of the campaign.

But boss Dave Kiteley still remembers that defeat and is hoping for a better start this time around. He said: "Hamworthy were the only team to beat us in the league last season and that defeat came on the opening day.

"It was a game we should never have lost really. We played well but then had a bad 20 minutes which ended up costing us but that can happen sometimes.

"I am expecting another tough game against them tomorrow. Reserve sides at this stage of the season can be a real unknown quantity and I have heard through some of their first-team players that they have strengthened a bit and that usually has a knock on effect but the main thing is we are at home.

"All our pre-season friendlies have been at home and we only lost one game here last season and that was in the semi-final of the League Cup against Hamworthy Recreation. In-order to be up there challenging for the title again we need to continue that good record and ensure we get off to a good start."

The Blues have been hit by injuries in recent weeks. Paul Gadsby (finger), Sam Clarke (broken hand) and Callum Ross-Jennins are long-term absentees while Andy Perkins is struggling with a hamstring problem which he picked up in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Weymouth Sports.

Paul Lambert and Simon Austin are both away and Matt White is unavailable as well due to work commitments.

Kiteley said: "Despite all those players being out we still have a strong squad that is more than capable of getting us off to a strong opening.

"I have spoken to the physio and Andy will definitely miss tomorrow and probably Tuesday as well when we take on Chickerell United. However, he could be back the following Saturday if he gives it the rest it needs.

"With Andy, Sam and Simon all out we have called up Rob Sharpe who has been training with us for the last five weeks.

"He played for the reserves the other night and did well, and although he is still a little raw he possesses all the right attributes.

"As for Matt, we knew he would be away and have already planned for that. That is why Adam Linaker and Lewis Whyton played 75 minutes against Weymouth Sports.

"I am happy with the three strikers we have, they all give you something different and also link up well together."

Portland: Boyt, Cranny, Ansty, Lamb, Dailey, Gay, Litherland, Halloran, Jones, Marshallsay, Doidge, Whyton, Linaker, Simmonds, Sharpe.