PORTLAND United interim boss Gary Bailey is targeting a “response” to the Blues’ downturn in form by obtaining a positive result from their Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division battle at Horndean tomorrow (3pm).

Bailey’s men have lost their last three fixtures, including a 1-0 defeat to Baffins Milton Rovers on Saturday, conceding 11 goals in the process, but the Blues’ manager is confident that a week of rest will aid his players.

He told Echosport: “The week’s rest helps. We were poor on Saturday and were disappointed with how we played.

“We looked much better in the games where we got beaten by five – the scoreline didn’t reflect the game. But I’ve got to give the lads some slack – it’s their fourth game in eight days.

“We’ll certainly be looking to improve and I’m looking for a response. I want a better performance from us.”

Commenting on Horndean, Bailey said: “Horndean are a good club and they’ve got some good players, it’s always a tough place to go.

“We went down there last year chasing the title and had a real battle. Hopefully the players come back refreshed ready for a final push.

“Alex Halloran has a broken bone in his foot and Ryan McKechnie is also finished for the season.

“Alex Godfrey is struggling with his ankle and Lewis Clarke turned his ankle and he will miss (tomorrow). Hopefully Lee Sharpe (ankle) makes it – he’s pretty confident.

“The Reserves don’t have a game so it might be an opportunity for one or two of them to come into the squad.”