PORTLAND United boss Brendon King labelled the Blues’ FA Cup extra preliminary round clash with Solent University tomorrow (3pm) as a “massive game for both sides”.

King had the student side scouted during their 3-1 Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division loss at Brockenhurst in preparation for the clash.

Despite a poor start to the season for Solent, who have conceded 10 goals in two games, King is expecting a “difficult” afternoon.

He said: “The lads they’ve got there are training full-time. They haven’t had the best of starts, but you know what they’re going to be.

“They’ve got high levels of fitness and young legs so they get around the pitch well.

“It’s the FA Cup, so it’s a massive game for both sides and it’s something we want to progress through.

“It’s going to be difficult, we’re away from home in the FA Cup and the important thing is we come away with a win.”

Talking up a cup run, King added: “In the FA Cup it’s that fairytale of going as far as you can get. If we manage to get through this weekend we’ve got another tough tie because whoever wins plays Hamworthy or Bashley – that will be equally as tough.

“It’s a massive game, a fantastic competition and you want to go as far as you can as players and coaches.”

Portland’s Alex Halloran (calf) and Jamie Beasley (groin) will be assessed but Sean Stewart (suspension) and Josh Williams (unavailable) miss out.