DPL Previews: Heath backs Portland to bounce back (From Dorset Echo)

DPL Previews: Heath backs Portland to bounce back

8:29am Friday 3rd February 2012 in Football By Adam Summers

STUART Heath is tipping his men to bounce back in emphatic fashion tomorrow when they host cellar dwellers Sherborne Town at Grove Corner (2pm).

The Blues suffered a shock home defeat against Swanage Town & Herston last weekend in the quarter-finals of the Dorset Premier League Cup – their first loss in all competitions since September 10.

The manner of the reversal was also disappointing with Ashley Wells and Lewis Whyton both receiving red cards but Heath is confident his title-chasers will respond in the right way.

The United boss, whose side sit second in the Magna Dorset Premier League table, two points adrift of unbeaten Wincanton Town with a game in hand, told Echosport: “Going out of any cup competition is disappointing, particularly at the quarter-final stage, but it is important we do not beat ourselves up about it.

“We experienced a couple of setbacks at the start of the season but the players responded well and went on an unbeaten run for three or four months.

“That is what good teams do and I have 100 per cent faith in the lads they will do the same again.

“I remember three years ago we lost to Swanage in a similar manner at the same stage of the season and went on to win the treble, so who knows, perhaps last weekend’s defeat could turn out to be a good thing.”

Chris Reader and Grant Chance remain sidelined through injury for Portland but Steven Walker and Carl Mutch are both in contention along with Tom Carter, who has recovered from a bug.

Wells and Whyton also remain available but are expected to be suspended for three games in the coming weeks.

Weymouth Reserves will be out to stretch their unbeaten run to four games at Swanage Town & Herston (2pm).

The third-bottom Terras defeated Hamworthy United Reserves last weekend and will be full of confidence after picking up five points from their last three outings but the Swans will be champing at the bit too.

Joint-boss Jake Richmond said: “Swanage away is always difficult but the fact they beat Portland to reach the semi-finals of the Dorset Premier League Cup last weekend is going to make them an even tougher proposition.

“However, we have been in good form of late too and there is no reason why we cannot go there and get a result.”

Mark Robinson is unavailable for the Terras but Jordan Vincent and Rob Maxted are both expected to return.

Meanwhile, forward Ricky Lane has been released.

Another side that will be hoping to pick up points on the road will be Bridport Reserves (2pm).

The Bees have drawn their last two and will be keen to get back to winning ways at Blandford United.

Joint-manager Steve Crabb said: “Dom McAllister is unavailable but both Adam Steele and Robin Jones are in line to return, so we should go there with another strong squad.

“Hopefully, we can get back to winning ways.”

Chickerell United are also in action at Hamworthy United Reserves (2pm).

Like Portland, the Chickens crashed out in the last eight of the Dorset Premier League Cup last weekend at the hands of Westland Sports and will be keen to make amends.

Scott Henley is set to return and Josh Why and Zac Falcus should be available after shaking off knocks.

Chickerell boss Maurice Welch said: “We are having problems creating chances at the moment.

“Our play up to the final third has been good of late but our final ball has just been lacking.

“Hopefully, we can get an early goal at Hamworthy and kick on from there.”