PORTLAND United manager Gary Bailey knows his side need need just two points from their remaining four games to secure the title after beating Fleet Spurs 4-2 on Thursday night.

The Blues’ boss saw his side come from behind twice at Grove Corner as a hat-trick from Carl McClements and a strike from Ryan McKechnie helped the island club to their seventh straight win.

However, the game was a “rollercoaster ride” for the manager.

He told Echosport: “It was a rollercoaster to tell you the truth.

“We played ok and we started brightly. I felt pretty confident but we went behind against the run of play.”

Fleet’s striker Daniel Bone opened the scoring early on with a thunderous rocket of a volley that stunned Grove Corner.

It took the hosts time to find their feet after the goal against the run of play.

But they were back on level terms in the 35th minute through McClements.

Good interplay from the Blues allowed the striker to apply the finish from close range.

They finished the half strongly but it was the visitors who went back in front again 10 minutes after the interval.

Bone took advantage of some lacklustre defending to score his second of the game.

A shock seemed to be on the cards on the island but the goal brought the home side to life and their response was swift.

McKechnie equalised in the 65th minute after a good cross from Ross Carmichael and Mc- Clements put Portland ahead two minutes later.

The striker rounded off his hat-trick with two minutes to play.

The win moved the Blues eight points clear at the top of the table and Bailey wants to secure the title on Saturday when they visit Andover New Street (3pm).

“We want to finish it off as soon as possible now,” he explained.

“We spoke about it straight after the game in the dressing room, obviously we have tired legs and tired minds and a few little niggles.

“We will go to Andover, who haven’t played for 10 days, expecting a tough test.

“We want to get the job done on Saturday but until it is mathematically secure we will keep going.”

There are no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s game but the manager knows his players are tired.

“Fatigue is an issue,” he added.

“A couple are carrying knocks but everyone wants to play.”

Portland: Weeks, Smith, Whyton, Carmichael, Bessant, Doidge, Halloran, McKechnie, Morris (Linaker 60), McClements, Godfrey. Subs not used: Mutch, Camp, Lillington

Attendance: 91

Match ball sponsor: Rich & Pauline Carlisle

Programme Sponsor: BMWeymouth - Andy Avant

  • BRIDPORT’S poor end-of-season form continued on Thursday night as they were thrashed 5-2 by Gillingham Town.

Mark Salter did net a brace for the visitors in the second half but they were soundly beaten by their Dorset rivals.

Man-of-the-match Harry Baker netted a brace for the hosts in the romp and there were also goals from Aaron Rodriguez, Steve Smith and Nick Hewlett.

The result sees Bridport stay in 14th place in the league having won just one of their previous 15 games.