PORTLAND United manager Gary Bailey insists Cowes Sports will be a “stern examination” for the Blues as they return to league action tomorrow (3pm).

Bailey’s men travel to the Isle of Wight in high spirits thanks to a 2-1 win against Almondsbury UWE in the Vase last weekend.

But, the manager, having scouted their opponents, knows it won’t be an easy game for his side.

He told Echosport: “I watched them at Brockenhurst (on Tuesday) and they’re a young, committed side.

“They have plenty of energy and work hard for each other. They certainly have a never-say-die attitude. On their patch, we’re expecting a stern examination. We just have to give a good account of ourselves.”

Bailey has the luxury of naming an almost unchanged squad for the clash with only Ross Carmichael unavailable. Ross Doidge is set to come back in.

Away from the league, Portland were drawn against Division One outfit Romsey Town in the next round of the FA Vase on Monday and the manager feels it’s a good tie for his charges.

He added: “It’s alright. It’s not too far to go and it’s a nice set-up up there.

“We had two tough games against them last year and they will be fired up for it being the underdogs. We have to be mindful of that if we are to proceed.”