Match Preview by: Dave Ring

Portland United v Cowes Sports
Camp & Satherley Stadium. Saturday 7 February, 3:00pm

Portland United return to home action on Saturday afternoon as they welcome Cowes Sports to the Camp & Satherley Stadium, with the visitors making the trip across the Solent.

The Blues should be close to full strength after last weekend’s scheduled trip to Brockenhurst was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. That enforced break has allowed Portland extra recovery time, and they will be keen to put that to good use as they look to build momentum on home soil.

Cowes Sports arrive having had a stop start run of fixtures. Their last two league matches were both postponed, away at Millbrook and at home to Sherborne Town, meaning they have not played competitively since mid-January. In their last five scheduled matches, Cowes have recorded one win, three defeats and two postponements.

Their most recent completed fixture saw a narrow 3–2 home defeat to Laverstock & Ford, following an impressive 2–1 away victory at Bournemouth the week before. Over the festive period they were edged out 1–0 at home by local rivals East Cowes Victoria, a result that underlined how tight their matches have been.

With Cowes likely to be keen to make up for lost time after their recent postponements, Portland can expect a competitive and committed opponent. For the Blues, home advantage and a refreshed squad could prove key as they look to impose themselves early and turn pressure into points.

Kick-off is at 3:00pm, with support as always appreciated as Portland look to make it count on home turf.