NEWPORT (IOW) 0

PORTLAND UNITED 1

PORTLAND United manager Gary Bailey has voiced his frustration that the issue of Moneyfields’ potential points deduction has not been concluded, despite the end of the season being just seven days away.

His comments come after his side’s hard-fought 1-0 victory against Newport (IoW), a result which saw the Blues maintain their challenge at the top of the league.

It was a scrappy affair, with the pitch proving to be a difficult playing surface and making it difficult for both sides to play.

The Blues got the breakthrough on 15 minutes, when an Alex Halloran free-kick found its way to captain Lewis Whyton who stabbed the ball home from six yards.

It wasn’t the most attractive contest, but with both sides digging in to try and get a result, it was certainly a whole-hearted affair.

Portland had several chances to extend their lead, but for a man-of-the-match display from Newport’s keeper denying efforts from Ryan McKechnie, Jamie Beasley and Alex Godfrey.

Speaking after the game, Bailey was pleased with the nature of the win.

He said: “It was a tough day at the office. They made us work very hard for it. It was a massive pitch which was sapping on the energy and it went right to the final whistle not knowing if we were going to get over the line or not, but the lads worked their socks off. It wasn’t the prettiest of performances but it was just about getting the result.”

Bailey also voiced his frustration at the state of play at the top of the league, as they face their penultimate test against Team Solent tomorrow night (7.45pm).

He said: “We’re waiting for a decision on the points deduction, and that could change things.

“We can’t focus on it, but we’ve gone into the last week of the season and neither ourselves nor Moneyfields know where the finishing line is.

“Obviously if it doesn’t happen then the gap is significant, but if it does then winning the league is in our hands.

“The league finishes on Saturday, and going into your last games you need to know what cards are on the table, and at the moment it’s all up in the air, and that’s no way to be approaching your last few games. For fairness on everyone, you want to know the ramifications of what you’re getting into.”

Blues: Lillington, Smith, Whyton, Bessant, Clark, Halloran, Buckler, McKechnie, Bastick, Doidge (Beasley 65), Godfrey. Subs not used: Mutch, Camp.