PORTLAND United have announced plans to make improvements to Grove Corner as they get set for their Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division campaign.

Having received a grant from the FA, the Blues will get to work on putting in a new metre-wide concrete path that will circulate the pitch.

Along with this, there will also be new railings put in place at the ground, meaning the ball cannot go through them.

On the pitch, the islanders have also installed a new sprinkler system.

The work is already underway and the club have confirmed that this could cause some disruption to their pre-season schedule.

Portland are already back in training ahead of the new season but their pre-season schedule has already taken a hit as their fixture against Lyme Regis on Saturday, July 9 has been cancelled due to the pitch at the Davey Fort not being ready in time for the game.

This means the Blues’ list of friendlies has been reduced to five matches.

Work at Grove Corner in last year’s close season was just as intense.

This included the installation of new floodlights, which were funded through grants from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund as part of the Football Foundation and the Football Association National Sports Centre Trust.