GARY Bailey has the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from going into Portland United’s DPL League Cup semi-final at Mere Town tomorrow.

The Blues, last season’s beaten finalists, are on a run of five successive wins in all competitions and have a league and cup double in their sights.

They achieved half of that last term but lost in the final of the League Cup to Holt United which ended their chances of landing two pieces of silverware.

Bailey and his men will be hoping that doesn’t happen again this time around, and he insists the visitors won’t be taking the hosts, fifth in the league standings, for granted.

“It is great being involved in the latter stages of cup competitions and everyone at the club is looking forward to it,” he said.

“We go into the game on the back of a decent run of results so confidence is high, but we know Mere will be a stern test, especially with them being at home.

“And it goes without saying they will be going all out to reach the final in what is their first season in the Dorset Premier League, so we will definitely not be taking them lightly.”

He went on to add: “Cup football is down to who performs on the day as there are no second chances, so it’s important we go there well prepared and organised.

“We have good quality and experience in the squad and they know they will have to produce their best if we are to reach the final, which is obviously our objective.

“These are the type of games everyone wants to be involved in and we are all raring to go.”

With Portland in cup action, Weymouth Reserves can consolidate their lead at the top of the league when they host Parley Sports at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

The sides only played each other last Saturday when the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

Elsewhere, Bridport Reserves could complete a league double over Poole Borough after winning the reverse fixture at St Mary’s Field in October 4-0.

In the Dorset Senior League, Chickerell United visit Gillingham Town Reserves smarting from a shock defeat to struggling Kingston Lacy.

Both Upwey & Broadwey and Portland United Reserves have home advantage as they welcome Piddletrenthide United and Blandford United Reserves to Redlands and Grove Corner respectively.

All of the games above kick-off at 3pm.