PORTLAND United boss Gary Bailey expressed the pride within the club at present, as they continue to sit pretty in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division.

The Blues, who are third in the league having gained promotion last season, rocked league big guns Blackfield & Langley on Saturday in a 3-1 win away from home.

And the island manager insists it is the team ethic within his squad that is proving to be a key factor in their recent success.

“We are not getting carried away, it is what it is, but we are mixing it with the big boys in this league and giving a good account of ourselves,” Bailey told Echosport.

“I have always said I trust my boys against the top sides. It seems to bring the best out of us. I am very proud of them and we are all proud of how far we have come.”

He added: “What we have got and what we are reaping the benefits of is a group of lads that have stayed loyal to Portland for many seasons and have come up through the leagues – and we have added to it.

“The ones that have come in have bought into that ethos as well and have fitted in really well.

“I think that takes you a long way, rather than throwing good individuals together. We are successful as a club and a squad for it.

“That showed on Saturday, the team spirit and togetherness was there when you needed it and the quality is there for all to see.”

On his side’s league position, manager Bailey added: “Since we have been up there we are enjoying it up there.

“The challenge now is for us to keep working hard and grinding these results out to stay there.”