THE way a team reacts to a setback “defines whether you will be successful or not”, according to Portland United boss Gary Bailey.

His side visit Sherborne Town Reserves tomorrow (2pm) smarting from a below-par performance in defeat at Blandford United last Saturday.

And Bailey wants to see a response from his men as they bid to close the gap on leaders Weymouth Reserves, who are five points clear of the Blues, Hamworthy Recreation and Merley Cobham Sports.

Lewis Whyton and Ryan McKechnie are unavailable for the islanders but Ross Carmichael and Antony Carlile return to Bailey’s squad.

“After last week’s result, which we were all disappointed with, I will be looking for a reaction and a much-improved performance,” said Bailey.

“There are always setbacks over the course of a season and it’s how you respond to them that defines whether you will be successful or not.

“Sometimes a defeat can be a good reminder that we need to be fully on our game every time we play and can’t afford to take any games lightly.”

Swanage Town & Herston host Weymouth (2pm) with the visitors attempting to register a fifth consecutive league win and stretch their unbeaten run to six.

Elsewhere, Bridport Reserves are scheduled to meet Mere Town at St Mary’s Field (2pm).

Luke King and Sean Stewart are the Bees’ two main injury concerns with the latter almost certainly ruled out.

Victory for the home side would see them leapfrog their opponents into fifth place, but with the schedule in the lap of the weather gods yet again, another washout could be on the cards this weekend.

That also goes for the Dorset Senior League with Chickerell United’s away game against Kingston Lacy and Portland United Reserves’ tussle with Gillingham Town Reserves at Grove Corner (both 2pm) likely to be in doubt.

The same can be said for the Dorset Senior Trophy quarter-final between Upwey & Broadwey and Witchampton United at Redlands (1.30pm).