BLUES’ boss Gary Bailey insists that tomorrow’s visitors to Grove Corner (3pm), Blackfield & Langley, are “rightly favourites for the league” this season.

The sides go into battle occupying the top two positions in the league at present, with Portland sitting top of the table with four wins from their opening five games.

Blackfield, who could field ex-Terras Sam Poole, Luke Winsper and Tim Sills in their squad, have won their opening four league fixtures and also demolished Fleet Spurs 7-1 in the Hampshire Senior Cup in midweek.

Sills struck twice in that game and Poole also got on the scoresheet, and Bailey is well aware of the threat the Watersiders possess.

Commenting on their weekend opposition, the island manager told Echosport: “They are rightly favourites for the league.

“They have put together a very talented squad of players, who have played at Wessex League and much higher for many years.

“Sam Poole and Luke are all known to us. It will be interesting to see them and it will be a good game.”

He added: “This is the challenge that we have been striving to have and it’s one that we relish.

“It is the reason why you want to gain promotion and play at the highest level you can, you want to pit your wits against the best in the league.

“You can’t really read anything into league positions at this stage. We have had a fantastic start and we are delighted to be where we are.”

Both Ross Carmichael and Carl McClements are back off holiday and should be available for selection for the Blues. Tom Bearwish, Ed Bastick and Alex Halloran are also expected to boost Bailey’s squad.

“We have certainly been down to our limits over the last couple of games,” the manager added.

“It just shows that our strength in depth is needed, if we hadn’t had that I am certain that we would not have got the results we have with those players missing.

“The lads that have played have staked a claim and have played well but, as a manager, you want as many options as you can and, obviously, having the other lads back gives you those options.

“If we go about our business, I am sure we will give a good account of ourselves.”

Portland, who have seen a rise in their attendance figures since stepping up to the Wessex Premier Division this term, are also hoping for a crowd of more than 200 for the top-of-the-table fixture.