GARY Bailey saw his Portland United side keep the pressure on those in the mix for the Dorset Premier League title with a five- star show to waltz past Stur-minster Marshall at Grove Corner.

With Hamworthy Recreation’s league encounter against Brid-port Reserves called off at Magna Road and leaders Merley Cobham Sports in League Cup action, the Blues grabbed a three-point haul on their rivals, and they did it in emphatic fashion.

The home side took the lead with just seven minutes on the clock when Ed Bastick’s cross was chested into the path of Alex Halloran to place his shot in the bottom corner.

Bastick was then instrumental in doubling the Blues’ advantage with 20 minutes gone.

His surging run allowed him to pull the trigger and, as his strike was too hot to handle, Lewis Clarke was on hand to apply a finish to the rebound. After half-time, the Blues then had to withstand a fluid spell from the visitors, who came out resurgent, and Bailey’s men relied on goalkeeper Warren Boyt to keep their lead intact with a couple of smart stops.

But having weathered the storm, up popped skipper Lewis Whyton to loop a header into the roof of the net and wrap the game up at 3-0.

Substitutes Jake Price and Charlie May then joined the party to add goals four and five, and a delighted Bailey praised his side’s efforts and the spirit around the camp.

“They are a great bunch to manage at the moment, everyone is buzzing and there is a real feel-good factor around the place.

“They are all enjoying their football,” the Grove Corner man-ager told Echosport.

“It was an important game to win, we knew Rec were off before we played and they have a few games to catch up now.

“We were in that situation last year and it takes its toll.

“It’s all very well saying you have games in hand but I’d much rather have the games played and the points in the bank.”

Blues: Boyt, Bessant, Whyton, B Doidge, Holland, R Doidge (Carmichael 60), Halloran, Bastick, Smith (Price 75), Clarke, Linaker (May 65).

Match ball sponsor: Mystery Man

Attendance: 85

  • The Blues would like to thank the Royal Manor of Portland Athletics Club, who recently gave a £50 donation to the club.