PORTLAND United manager Brendon King has called for the Blues to show “application and desire” during their Sydenhams League Cup third round contest at Tadley Calleva tomorrow (3pm).

Last week, the Blues hosted the Tadders and took a 1-1 draw from the clash thanks to an 80th-minute leveller from Darren Watts.

With King’s men facing back-to-back fixtures against the Hampshire outfit, the Blues’ boss felt it was an “unfortunate” situation.

He told Echosport: “It wasn’t a bad game last week but it’s not ideal when you play teams twice on the trot.

“It’s obviously a little unfortunate we got drawn against them in the League Cup. I thought last week we shaded it and we’re up at their place so maybe we’ll go a bit more attacking.

“It’s no different, really, just another game. We just need to kick on. We created the best chances and hopefully we can go there and do the business.

“As long as we show the same application and desire, our quality will shine through.”

Commenting on the possibility of a cup run, King added: “We want to do well in every game we play in. We’re going up there to try and win the game.”

Alex Halloran (ankle) and Lewis Clarke (knee) remain out, the latter is due for a scan, but Portland otherwise have a fully-fit squad to pick from.

n Portland have signed up to Non-League Day and will have a fundraising collection in aid of Prostate Cancer UK at the Weyline Stadium tomorrow when the Blues’ reserves host Sturminster Newton.