GARY Bailey says there is no point in him even bothering to look at the Dorset Premier League table right now – the equation for his Portland United side to lift the title is clear.

The Blues may be third in the standings and four points adrift of leaders Merley Cobham Sports, but Bailey knows that winning the championship for a third successive year is out of the islanders’ hands.

Hamworthy Recreation, one point ahead of Portland, are slight favourites to finish first as they have a game in hand on Merley and a better goal difference.

All Bailey’s men can do is keep on winning and hope that their two rivals slip up over the run-in.

While the Blues host Tintinhull tomorrow (3pm), Merley entertain Mere Town and Hamworthy go to Sherborne Town Reserves.

Bailey won’t be at full strength for the Grove Corner clash with the side sitting 15th in the league.

Lewis Clarke is definitely out after a finger injury picked up in the midweek win at Bridport Reserves, while Matt Camp and Ross Carmichael are both unavailable.

“There are quite a few missing for us with it being the Easter weekend, but we will be alright,” Bailey told Echosport.

“We’ve had to show our strength in depth before and it’s a good opportunity for other people.

“Aiden Jackson has been showing up well for the reserves and he’ll come into the squad.

“Chris Reader has had work commitments and been playing more for the reserves, but he’ll feature as well.”

And on the battle for the title, he added: “Nothing changes for us, we’ve got to win every game and see where we stand.

“There is no point looking at the league table, and I couldn’t even tell you want the points situation is.

“There’s no need to look, we know what the situation is – we are behind and so it’s out of our hands.

“We just know we’ve got six games left and we have to win every one of them.

“Until other teams start dropping points then it’s not going to change for us.”

Elsewhere tomorrow, Weymouth Reserves take on Wareham Rangers at the Bob Lucas Stadium, Bridport Reserves welcome Cranborne to St Mary’s Field, and Blandford United visit Parley Sports.

Royals’ boss Bradley Asagba will want an improvement in his team’s performance following their 2-2 draw against Wareham last time out.

However, Blandford could have as many as eight first-team regulars missing through injury, illness and unavailability.