CHRIS Wilson has hailed the commitment of his players ahead of tomorrow’s home encounter with Swanage Town & Herston (2pm).

The Portland United boss is delighted with the way things are going at Grove Corner at present, not only in terms of results but also in regards to the depth of his squad.

He told Echosport: “I don’t know much about Swanage this year but we will approach it the same as any other game and look to put in another good performance.

“We should have a couple more back as well with Andy Harris and Jimmy Dailey both available, which will make the squad even stronger.

“We have got a lot of competition for places at the moment and what that does is enable us to make decisions for the right reasons in terms of form and things like that.

“That situation is very much down to the players and their commitment, and I would like to thank them for their continued hard work.”

Holt United and Hamworthy Recreation took advantage of the Blues being in Dorset Senior Cup action last week by moving above the islanders in the Magna Dorset Premier League table.

However, Wilson’s men still sit third, just two points off the top with three games in hand.

Chickerell United boss Maurice Welch will be after a response at Merley Cobham Sports (2pm) following last weekend’s home defeat at the hands of Tintinhull.

That loss ended a run of six straight league victories for the Chickens who will want to get back on track as soon as possible.

Welch said: “Hopefully we will bounce back tomorrow. We were not at the races at all against Tintinhull but I am sure I will get the reaction at Merley I am after.

“Tom Peck could be back available this weekend, which would be a big boost, but I am still waiting to hear on Josh Tennant, who has been out recently with a wrist injury.

“Dan Welch and Ross Connor are both still away.”

Weymouth Reserves return to action with a home clash against Cranborne (2pm).

The Terras’ game at Swanage last weekend was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and joint-boss Jake Rich-mond is hoping his side can pick up from where they left off.

He said: “The lads are on it at the mom-ent and I am sure they will keep it going.

“I went and watched Cranborne last weekend and they are a good, honest team that never give up but there were a few weaknesses in their side too, and as long as we are on it and our attitude is right I think we will be okay.”

The Terras are unbeaten in five and currently lie ninth in the table while the Cranes sit 13th.

Finally, Bridport Reserves travel to Senior League outfit Kingston Lacy in the second round of the Dorset Senior Trophy (1.30pm) without the services of boss Robin Townsend.

The Bees recorded a fine 4-0 league victory at Cranborne last time out and will be hoping to carry that form into cup action.

Townsend said: “I am away so Mark Lock will take the side and I am sure the lads will come away with a great result following last weekend’s much-improved performance.

“We will go into the game as favourites but in the cup there are no favourites and it is important we give them the respect they deserve.

“Hopefully the outcome will not spoil my holiday.”