PORTLAND United boss Gary Bailey expressed his immense pride with his playing squad, as they made sure their title challenge will go down to the last game of the Sydenhams Wessex League season.

Regardless of the points deduction hanging over current leaders Moneyfields, the Blues know that if they beat Bemerton Heath Harlequins at Grove Corner on Saturday, they are in with a chance of lifting the league crown in their first season back in the Premier Division.

Portland were good value for their 2-0 victory over Team Solent last night to extend their unbeaten league run since October.

And there is nobody more delighted with the Blues’ efforts than boss Bailey.

He told Echosport: “The boys have been fantastic.

“To go into the final game with a chance of winning the league and guaranteed second is a phenomenal achievement. It just shows how far the club has come and is something I am very proud of.”

He added: “It’s not disbelief for me because I know what a good group of lads I have got here but we have exceeded all expectations, hopefully we can finish it off on Saturday and what will be will be then.

“These players have represented the club magnificently. With the effort they have put in they deserve to take it to the last game.”

Commenting on the victory over the Students, who had two men sent off in the second period, including player-manager James Taylor late on, the island boss added: “I thought we grew into the game. We got our passing going and we looked the side that was going to create chances.

“We were still comfortable in the game when it was 11 versus 11 if I’m honest and looked the only team that was going to score another.”