INTERIM Portland United boss Gary Bailey has urged his inexperienced squad to keep learning ahead of a trip to Christchurch tonight (7.30pm).
Bailey’s Blues delivered a spirited display against Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division favourites AFC Portchester, despite losing 3-0 on Saturday,
Portland next face a Christchurch side fresh from the euphoria of two FA Cup giant-killings, with Dorchester and now National League North side Gloucester City dumped out.
Bailey said: “The games don’t get any easier – Fareham away, Portchester and Christchurch.
“It’s strange to talk about a feel-good factor when you’ve lost 3-0 but the performance was positive.
“We must learn from the mistakes and little negatives and try and put them right. If you don’t learn from your mistakes you’ll never get anywhere.
“They’re an honest bunch and hopefully they’ll take on board the bits that myself and Mark (Carter, assistant) are saying to them and we can eradicate those mistakes.”
On Christchurch, Bailey feels the Blues might be playing the Priory at a poor time.
“It’s probably a bad time to play them, they’re on a crest of a wave,” he said.
“They’re bursting with confidence, they’ve knocked Dorchester out and they’ve done it again (against Gloucester).
“I think Christchurch will be buzzing and can’t wait for the next games to come along.
“It’s always a tough game up at their place, a good place to play with a good pitch and facilities.
“It’s another test for the youngsters to sample what Wessex League football is about.
“Unfortunately it’s a baptism of fire for a few of them, but great experience and hopefully it will stand the ones that want to take it on board in good stead in their careers going forward.”
Lewis Whyton (hamstring) is likely to miss out. Alex Halloran (quad) and Caleb Tennant (groin) are doubts, while Josh Williams (head) is expected to recover in time.
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