PORTLAND United start their Dorset Premier League Cup campaign in the hope that it will be third time lucky this season.

Defeats to Holt and Hamworthy Recreation in the last two finals ended the Blues’ dreams of a league and cup double on both occasions.

But that is only going to make boss Gary Bailey and his troops even more determined to get their hands on the trophy next spring.

They begin their challenge this season with a first round tie at Blandford United tomorrow (2.30pm), taking on the side currently propping up the Dorset Premier League table.

“I am waiting on the fitness and availability of several players so won’t be finalising my squad until the very last minute, but we could potentially be a little stretched,” said Bailey.

“Blandford can be a tricky place to go and having slipped up there last season we are only too aware what can happen if we don’t perform on the day.

“We have been finalists in the cup the past two seasons and obviously want to do well again this time round.

“It’s a nice break from league action and we will be going into it relaxed and confident after last week’s win.”

In the league, Bridport Reserves host Shaftesbury Town at St Mary’s Field (3pm).

The Bees have a number of players missing – Darren Lock (broken wrist), Ben Porteous (twisted knee) and Adam Steele (work commitments) to name a few – while Shane Evans is likely to be involved with the first team again.

Bridport only took 13 players to Parley last Saturday and boss Robin Townsend feels that had an effect on the 1-1 scoreline.

“Going into a game with 13 men probably cost us in the end, but we’ve got to make sure the first team always goes with 14,” he said.

“For whatever reason we’ve got a lot of injuries and people with work commitments that are unavailable.

“We are consistently changing the side but that’s what can happen as a reserve team.”

Weymouth Reserves welcome Merley Cobham Sports, one of three teams leading the way on 24 points, to the Bob Lucas Stadium (3pm).

Terras’ manager Jake Richmond hopes to have Lee Sharpe, Jamie Beasley and Sean Zima available for the game.

They all missed the 2-2 home draw with Mere Town last Saturday.