BLUES’ boss Gary Bailey is hoping that added competition for promotion into the Wessex League will galvanise his squad going into the crunch period of the season.

The race for the Dorset Premier League title was given an extra edge this week, as it was confirmed that league leaders Merley Cobham Sports have also applied to step up a level as well as the island club.

With only one spot available to propel a DPL side into the next tier, the Blues will fight it out with their title rivals Merley for the first consideration to become a Wessex League outfit. However, both applications are still subject to ground grading.

Commenting on the situation, Portland manager Bailey told Echosport: “It’s now not just a formality of us finishing in the top five and getting our facilities done, we have a bit of competition.

“I am quite happy about that really because it focuses everybody and, like I have said all along, I’d like to see us win the league because if you are to get promoted you should go up as champions. It should hopefully give us a bit of galvanisation and we need to push on.”

With Merley facing a tough test at fellow title-chasers Hamworthy Recreation tomorrow, Bailey’s charges travel to Shaftesbury Town (2pm), who he expects to give his side a strong test.

“I think it is going to be a similar game as we had last week, Shaftesbury are having a similar season to Wareham,” he added.

“It sounds like an old cliché but places like that are tough to go to, they are good at home and, if it is on, the pitch will be heavy and difficult to play on.”

The Blues secured a 4-1 victory over the Rockies at Grove Corner in September, thanks to braces from Ashley Smith and Lewis Clarke.

Bailey claimed: “It was the early part of the season and they had a sticky patch early doors, but they have signed a few players and strengthened, they certainly need respecting that’s for sure.”

Ben Doidge is set to return after serving a suspension, but it is too soon for Ross Doidge, who is still suffering with a knuckle injury.

Alex Halloran’s knee could also keep him out for most of the remainder of the campaign, and could even require keyhole surgery.

“I don’t think Alex is going to play much football at all this season to be honest,” Bailey claimed.

“If he gets himself in some sort of position to get his fitness levels up just before the summer break then that will be a bonus.

“We will look after him, make sure we do the right thing by him and he knows his own capabilities, he will be led by the doctor and the physios.”

Elsewhere in the division, Wey-mouth Reserves are set to bolster their squad with the signings of holding midfielder Adam Ykhlef and former Portland man Anthony Carlile.

Manager Jake Richmond said: “They are signing with a view to bolster the squad up a little bit as we are a little bit light at the moment.“ Jamie Beasley will also miss the game through suspension.

Bridport Reserves also travel to Swanage Town & Herston and Blandford United have the chance to leapfrog 13th-placed Tintinhull at home tomorrow (all 2pm).