PORTLAND United step up their preparations for their upcoming Wessex League Premier Division campaign with a stern test against Western League outfit Sherborne Town at Grove Corner tonight (7.45pm).

The Blues won their last friendly 5-0 against Shepton Mallet and manager Gary Bailey wants to see his side keep on improving before the start of their season on Wednesday, August 3.

Talking to Echosport, Bailey said: “It’s our first game up at Grove Corner and it will be nice to have a home game.

“All of the players are looking forward to what should be a great evening.

“The side is gelling really well and everyone is getting game time.

“The new players aren’t strangers and we’ve had enough training sessions for them to bond.

“We’re very pleased with how things are going but there’s more work to be done.”

Like with many teams pushing hard in pre-season, fitness is the key to their success and Bailey feels the Sherborne test will help improve that side of his squad’s game.

He added: “The fitness will come, and it is always a work in progress.

“We’ve got two weeks until the new season and we will need to work on that.

“The match fitness takes time and that is the most important thing.

“You can’t rush it but we are getting there.”

After their test against Sherborne, the Blues are set to face Melksham Town on Saturday at Grove Corner before playing their final friendly against Wincanton Town on Friday, July 29.