PORTLAND United manager Gary Bailey insists his players are not looking at the Wessex League Division One table and are focusing more intently than ever on tonight’s game against Hythe & Dibden (7.45pm) as the title race rumbles on.

His side grabbed a last-gasp winner against Laverstock & Ford on Saturday to keep their lead at the top of the table to five points.

Now, the Blues face the prospect of playing three games in five days.

But Bailey is not thinking about the title, instead he wants three more valuable points tonight.

He said: “We gained three massive points on Saturday and we will go to Hythe on Tuesday,

not to focus on anything else other than try and gain another

win.

“Whatever happens after that, we will go into Thursday’s game against Fleet at home looking to give a good account of our-

selves.

“We have got our eye on the ball. We can’t focus on anything else, we can’t control what anyone else does.

“We will get ourselves up for the game we have next tonight and we will give it our best shot.”

Saturday’s battling win that saw Bailey’s men score two goals in the final three minutes left many tired bodies on the pitch.

“We have regrouped and dusted ourselves down,” explained the manager.

“We need to see who is the freshest (for tonight’s game) and who’s not carrying any injuries.

The Blues will be without Gareth Will with a knee injury sustained on Saturday and the manager believes he could miss the rest of the season.

Talking about the injury, Bailey said: “He was pretty sore when he came off, so he’s going to be a severe doubt for this week.

“Everybody else should be fit for the game, I have no glaring omissions, apart from Adam Linaker with work commitments.”

The island team have two games in hand over closest rivals Amesbury Town and the pair face off in what could prove to be a title decider on Wednesday, April 27.

But Bailey is full of respect for his rivals.

“Fair play to them,” he said. “They’re under more pressure than us as they know any points dropped will be massive, and they keep winning.

Along with tonight’s fixture, Portland will play Fleet Spurs on Thursday knowing a win could put one hand on the trophy.