PORTLAND United know all about the threat tomorrow’s opponents Parley Sports pose, but the Blues travel to Christchurch Road (2pm) in a confident mood after taking the lead in the Dorset Premier League last time out.

The Blues can consolidate their position at the top of the table with another three points this weekend, though they go into the game knowing Parley have already beaten them this season.

Sports enjoyed a 3-2 win over the islanders in the first round of the Dorset Senior Cup last month and are just six points behind Portland in the league standings.

Blues’ boss Gary Bailey could be without several players through injury, but Dan Austin should return after missing last weekend’s victory over Mere due to work commitments.

Shaun Bessant and Brandon Heal are unavailable and Bailey is assessing the fitness of Ross Doidge (groin), Charlie Holland (Achilles) and Lewis Clarke (ankle) before finalising his squad.

“Parley beat us at Grove Corner in the Dorset Senior Cup earlier in the season in what was a close game, so we are expecting a very stiff examination this week at their place,” said Bailey.

“Games between the two sides are usually tight affairs but we go there in good form and with plenty of confidence, although we know we will have to be on top of our game if we are to come home with the three points.

“We have a few carrying little niggles at the moment so we may have to shuffle the pack if they don’t make it.

“But I have a good squad and that’s important in coping when these situations arise.”

While Bridport Reserves host Westland Sports at St Mary’s Field, Blandford United will be looking to put a disappointing performance against Weymouth Reserves behind them when they entertain Hamworthy United Reserves (2pm).

Unfortunately for Blandford manager Bradley Asagba, his squad has been decimated by injuries and unavailability.

He said: “Last week’s result and performance has been firmly consigned to history now.

“This week is about a reaction and proving it was a blip and not the norm.

“However, this will be extremely difficult given Hamworthy’s recent resurgence and the fact we have around 10 first-team players injured or unavailable.

“But as well as trying to get results we are looking to change the mentality of the players.

“Irrespective of who we have available, the mentality should be same throughout the group, whoever pulls on the blue shirt.

“That’s the challenge and that’s what will help us if we are going to get anything from the game.

“It’s going to be an extremely tough game for us as Hamworthy have momentum and we need to pick ourselves up from the floor.

“But I am sure I will find out a lot about this group’s character come 4pm tomorrow.”