GARY Bailey believes last week’s setback will become a distant memory with victory at home to Holt United tomorrow (2pm).

Portland United were held to a 1-1 draw at struggling Cranborne last time out, thus inflicting a minor dent in their title ambitions.

The Blues remain top of the pile in the Magna Dorset Premier League but are just two points clear of nearest rivals Hamworthy Recreation and Wincanton Town, who both hold a game in hand.

Therefore, assistant-boss Bailey is keen to see his men return to winning ways at Grove Corner tomorrow.

He said: “It’s down to us to react. Everyone in the league will drop points between now and the end of the season and it’s even more important that we bounce back against Holt.

“It will be a tough encounter and the onus is on us not to slip up again.

“We are not out of it by any means and it’s not as though we have a mountain to climb.

“We have an honest bunch of lads and hopefully we will get a response from them. There was no lack of effort last week, it just didn’t happen for us.

“Tomorrow is another game and bad results are easily forgotten with good results.”

Chickerell United are likely to be without several key players for their trip to Swanage Town & Herston (2pm).

Dan Welch and Nick Etherington are definitely unavailable while Stew Walbridge, Zac Falcus and Joel Protheroe are all doubts.

Boss Maurice Welch, who saw his side defeat Shaftesbury 5-1 last weekend, said: “It looks like we will have a much-changed squad again and the aim is to go to Swanage and try and build on last Saturday’s victory.

“Swanage have a big pitch so hopefully we can go there and play a bit of football, and come away with the points.

“It will not be easy though because on their day they can be a very handy side, as we found out earlier in the season when we lost 4-2 against them.”

Finally, Steve Crabb will be hoping his side can bounce back at the first attempt at Tintinhull (2pm).

Bridport Reserves went down 5-1 at home to Hamworthy Recreation last time out and their joint-boss wants them to get back on track as soon as possible.

Crabb said: “It is important we put the Hamworthy Recreation defeat behind us immediately by kicking on at Tintinhull tomorrow.

“We knew it would be tough against Hamworthy and so it proved but that aside we have been performing well of late and with another strong squad available this weekend, there is no reason why we cannot bounce back straight away with a win.”

One major plus for the Bees is the recent return of Dan Peart, who is nearing full fitness following a back injury.

Crabb added: “Dan had 35 minutes against Hamworthy and played very well, and he also had 30 minutes the weekend before that. The more minutes he can get under his belt the better.”