GARY Bailey says it is time for his Portland United players to “stand up and be counted”.

The Blues travel to Mere Town tomorrow at a crucial stage of their Dorset Premier League season.

With 10 games left, 30 points are still up for grabs as the islanders try to overhaul Merley and Hamworthy Recreation, the two sides above them in the table.

But after a couple of indifferent results in recent weeks, and the disappointment of some postponements caused by the weather, Portland boss Bailey is keen for his men to hit the ground running again this weekend.

Bailey continues to be without injured duo Alex Halloran and Carl Mutch, while Shaun Bessant is suspended and both Dan Austin and Jake Price are unavailable through work commitments.

However, Lewis Clarke should return to the squad after eventually completing his suspension.

“It was frustrating that last week’s game fell foul of the weather as it meant we continued with the stop-start run of games, which, along with a list of unavailabilities, is proving quite disruptive,” said Bailey.

“When you have a dip you need a run of games to hopefully play your way through it, but this has proved difficult to achieve.

“Hopefully the worst of the bad weather is behind us so we can get some momentum going into the final 10 games.

“We know we are in for a stern test as Mere are enjoying another good season and are particularly strong at home.

“They beat us earlier in the season in the DPL Cup so there will be no surprises for us up there.

“We are going to have to shuffle the pack again this week with players missing, but I’ve every confidence in the squad, and it’s time for them to stand up and be counted after a few indifferent results of late.”

Weymouth Reserves have been in good form lately and they are only eight points off the top.

Jake Richmond’s troops have won four of their last five in the league and take that impressive run to Tintinhull tomorrow.

There should be a positive result for Bridport Reserves when they take go to bottom club Sturminster Marshall, while Blandford United visit Hamworthy United Reserves. All kick-off at 3pm.