GARY Bailey is striving for his side to find some consistency, as Portland United make the trip to Westland Sports tomorrow (2pm).

While the Blues were left kicking their heels due to a waterlogged pitch at Grove corner last weekend, Hamworthy Recreation maintained their strong run of form which has seen them move into the box seat as title favourites.

They are now just a point behind leaders Merley Cobham sports with two games in hand.

But Bailey, whose team occupy third spot in the table, refuses to give up on defending their crown and is determined for his side to challenge Keith Whatling’s charges all the way.

“It’s Rec’s to lose, there is no dressing that up,” he told Echosport.

“You can’t hide behind what the league table shows, they are in the best position and they deserve to be.

“Since Christmas we have been a little bit stop-start with fixtures and a little bit stop-start in our level of performance as well.

“It would be nice to get a run of games and level of consistency in our performances, that is what we are crying out for.”

Bailey was also complimentary of this weekend’s opposition, he added: “Westland are a good side having come back into the league.

“They are very different to the Westland team that won this league a few years ago, but they have re-signed one or two of those players and have had a good string of results recently.”

Lewis Clarke is still suspended and Sean Bessant starts his ban. Carl Mutch, Warren Boyt and long-term absentee Alex Halloran are also unavailable for the Grove Corner outfit.

Looking to rock Rec tomorrow are Bridport Reserves.

Buoyed by last weekend’s win over Sherborne Town Reserves, manager Robin Townsend believes the Bees will go to Magna Road (2pm) with everything to gain from the contest.

He said: “They are a great team, take nothing away from them, but as soon as you look at the fixture people will think it’s a foregone conclusion.

“We have nothing to lose. People will think we will get nothing from it but we will be trying to prove them wrong."

Going for four straight wins, Weymouth Reserves’ manager Jake Richmond is delighted with his side’s current run of form as they travel to Shaftesbury Town tomorrow (2pm).

He added: “We are looking up not down.

“I consider us to be one of the best four teams in this league and as long as we keep doing what we are doing we will be fine.”

Blandford United host Swanage Town & Herston as they bid to get back to winning ways after a 4-1 defeat to Hamworthy Recreation.

New signing Ryan Reeves is an injury doubt, as is Liam Shingler, while Dotun Paul Abiodun and Henry Akinsuyi are both definitely out.

“Last week’s game was odd as although we didn’t seem convinced we could win during the game, I think the scoreline was harsh,” said Royals’ boss Bradley Asagba.

“For the most part we looked organised and solid so the scoreline was disappointing, although again we conceded from a penalty and a free-kick, and no matter how dubious the decisions were the fact we continue to do so makes our task to win games even harder.

“However, looking forward to Swanage we have to believe we can get something out of the game.

“I know their manager well from my playing days and we are very similar in both our desire to win and our frustration when this is not replicated by our players.

“One thing is certain, Swanage will be organised, competitive and hard to beat.

“Of course, I believe this is a prerequisite for any team, especially for ours, so I expect us to approach the game in exactly the same manner and thus have a platform to exhibit the quality we have within the group.

“In terms of the squad, we have a few out but the club and I are working hard to strengthen the squad so hopefully we will get them over the line in time for Saturday.”