PORTLAND United return to Grove Corner to compete in league action for the first time in more than two months tomorrow (2pm) as they take on Swanage Town & Herston.

The Blues’ last home league encounter came against Mere Town on November 22, and boss Gary Bailey is hopeful his side can put on a show against the Swans and bounce back after last weekend’s 4-2 defeat at Shaftesbury.

“The boys look forward to home games, it’s a decent place to play and the pitch is usually in good condition, we are strong at home and the boys are ready for it,” he told Echosport.

“The supporters have missed it as well and we are reliant on getting good gates and we do get great support with over 100 for most games.

“The players are all keen to get last weekend out of their system and hopefully tomorrow we will see the Portland United we are used to seeing.

“Maybe we have got a bit wrapped up in what we need to do and where we need to be over the last few weeks and we have taken our eye off the ball a little bit.

“We need to forget about the promotion side of things, forget about league positions and just take care of each game as it comes. If we do that and we win them, at the end of the season the rest will take care of itself.”

Even though the Blues romped to an impressive 5-0 victory at Days Park against the Swans earlier this season, Swanage recorded a 5-2 win at Grove Corner when the clubs met there last term, and Bailey is well aware of the dangers they possess.

“They are a good side, very well organised, have a good management team and are very enthusiastic. They work hard for each other,” he added.

“Anyone who comes to Grove Corner always wants to do a number on us.”

Ross Doidge is set to return for the island club after recovering from a knuckle injury, but Adam Linaker (hamstring) and Lewis Clarke (ankle) are both touch and go.

Elsewhere, fresh off their dominant 9-0 win over Sturminster Marshall, Jake Richmond will prepare his Weymouth Reserves’ squad for their trip to league leaders Merley Cobham Sports (2pm).

“We’ll go there with our tails up,” the Weymouth boss said.

“We’re really looking forward to it, the lads are buzzing.

“They beat us 4-3 earlier in the season when I felt they robbed us a little bit.

“I’ve got a massive selection headache with 18 players to pick from for a squad of 16.”

Bridport Reserves take on Tintinhull at St Mary’s Field (3pm) while Blandford United host bottom club Poole Borough (2pm).