Operation Mop Up is in full swing at Chapel Gate as Bournemouth bid to get their pitch playable for tomorrow's ECB Southern Electric Premier League game against Portsmouth.

Head groundsman Derek Tapper and his staff have been battling against the elements since an early week deluge flooded the C1 square.

"It's obviously very damp and we desperately need some sun to help the pitch dry out," he said.

"I can fork the surface all day and night, but if we keep getting rain showers, it makes things very difficult."

Bournemouth skipper Darren Cowley, who has led his team to two maximum-point victories, is desperate to play as he sees two winnable games looming against Portsmouth, tomorrow and at Alton next week.

"We've made a superb start and need to keep the momentum flowing," he said. "Our opening two wins have come on the road and it will be nice to keep it going at home."

Bournemouth name a full strength unchanged side, with Cowley, Richard Scott and Ben Lawes eager to continue their fine early season form.

"All three of us have made significant runs in the opening games, but they've been played on hard decks and that's likely to be the case tomorrow," he smiled.

Cowley has been hugely impressed with Bournemouth's out-cricket.

"We've looked good - very good - in the field and took some excellent catches at Totton & Eling last week," he said.

"We're working well as a unit. Everyone knows their jobs and are doing them pretty well at the moment."

Cowley confesses he isn't quite sure what to expect from Portsmouth.

"They've undergone massive personnel changes and have only three faces recognisable from last season."

Bournemouth: Cowley, Scott, Lawes, N Park, Watkins, Mather, De Weymarn, Hall, Metcalf, Wainwright, Denham.