PORTLAND United manager Simon Browne is aiming to play with the “same tempo” against Sholing at Grove Corner tomorrow (3pm) that the Blues displayed in their 3-1 win over Alresford Town last weekend.

Browne’s men go into the Sydenhams Wessex Premier League clash against the Boatmen, who are placed fourth, having broken a run of seven defeats without a win, and the manager is now looking for a repeat performance.

He told Echosport: “They’re going to be a decent side, they’ve always been there or thereabouts. It won’t be easy, but we’ll give it a go.

“I can’t imagine anyone relishes the trip to Portland. Hopefully we can play with the same tempo as we did last weekend. They’ve lost three already this season so they’re certainly not unbeatable.

“We had a bit of a blip with a few defeats and we’ve turned that around.”

And Browne, who on Thursday underwent knee surgery, expects to be on the touchline for the match, but will be without Sanchez Baker and Jamie Beasley.

He said: “I’ll be there. I’m having an arthroscopy and a bit of a clear out, that shouldn’t be enough to keep me away. I just need someone to give me a lift to the game!

“Sanchez is out with work commitments and Jamie is unavailable. I’ll keep an eye on the situation at Dorchester and we’ll wait and see how that pans out.

“Lewis Whyton will be available this week but he’s got a bit of a heel problem, other than that it should be fine.”

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