Defenders Sagi Burton, Justin Roberts and Gareth Jelleyman stayed with the squad for the Algarve trip which ends in a friendly against Coca-Cola Championship play-off finalists Bristol City tonight.

Hill still needs a centre-half and a left-back to complete his squad for what they hope will be a promotion challenge in the Blue Square Premier.

Former Nottingham Forest trainee Roberts, who had a spell at Weymouth
last term, can cover both positions in the back four while ex-Peterborough United duo Burton and Jelleyman were also handed a chance to impress in high-scoring warm-up games with Halstead Town and
Portimonense.

Hill, speaking from Portugal, said: "We will assess things as we go on over the next few days.

"But to be fair to those players they need to get themselves sorted out
soon so I have to make decisions."

Jelleyman was taken off during the midweek 3-3 draw for stitches to a cut eye – although Hill is hoping the left-back will be fit to face Bristol City.

Andy Burgess may return after an injury scare at Halstead while fellow
midfielder Rob Wolleaston awaits his Diamonds debut after signing for an undisclosed fee from Cambridge United this summer.

Hill added: "We've mixed it around a bit as we look to build our match fitness over the next 10 days or two weeks.

"It was very hot here on Wednesday night so that was an ideal situation for almost everyone in the squad to get a run-out for at least 30 minutes.

"I've spoken to people who watch a lot of football in Portugal and they think Portimonense are probably at the same level as one of our teams from the bottom half of League One or the top end of League Two.

"But I don't think Bristol City will provide a harder test than taking on a local side who are used to playing in the heat and humidity."

Diamonds led three times through Michael Rankine, Daryl Clare and Curtis Woodhouse before being denied by a third equaliser towards the end.

Meanwhile, Bristol City – managed by former Kettering Town boss from the mid-1990s Gary Johnson – came from behind twice to draw 2-2 against
Olhanense.


Diamonds' Blue Square Premier trip to Lewes has been brought forward to Thursday, September 11 for live coverage on Setanta Sports.