SKIPPER Lewis Whyton will miss Portland United’s pre-season test against Salisbury at Grove Corner tomorrow (2pm) but he has a special excuse for doing so.

The island stalwart, who has served the club for around a decade of his career, is getting married.

“We have the game early because it’s Lewis Whyton’s wedding,” island boss Gary Bailey told Echosport.

“Most of us are going to the evening do and that is why it’s an earlier kick off.”

Whyton and Alex Halloran will be missing from the Blues’ squad due to the ceremony, Dan Austin is also unavailable – he is nursing a back problem.

Speaking about the test against the reformed Whites, managed by former Terras’ chief Steve Claridge, Bailey told Echosport: “We may only be one league apart in terms of steps on the ladder but we are very different.

“We are just newly-promoted and are finding our feet that way.

They have reformed with loads of experience and professionalism behind them and are looking to bounce straight up through the leagues.

“In terms of personnel, I am expecting a test which was very similar to what we had against Weymouth.”

Salisbury beat an AFC Bournemouth XI 2-1 last time out, with former Terras’ striker Mark Ford netting the winner 10 minutes from time.

And while the Blues are set to face a stern examination, Bailey believes they are progressing throughout their warm-up fixtures nicely.

“In pre-season, every time we play and train we are looking for an improvement in our fitness and our touch,” he added.

“From what you could see in the fog against Weymouth we did okay, two days later we went to Hamworthy Recreation and looked really good. We haven’t played since then but training has been sharp.”

Goalkeeper Sean Lillington is back to make his debut between the sticks for the Blues and Adam Linaker is set to get his first minutes.

  • Meanwhile, Dorchester Town host an Army Representative XI at the Avenue on Sunday (2pm). The club is set to train at their facility over the weekend.

A spokesperson for the Magpies said: “The event is a reciprocal gesture from the club by way of thanks to the army for hosting our players at Bovington.

“As part of the club’s involvement with the wider community, this match will be supporting the Royal British Legion and a bucket collection will also be made on the day.”

Admission for the clash is £5 (£1 for under-16s).