PORTLAND UTD 8 EAST COWES VICTORIA 0

PORTLAND United manager Gary Bailey hailed his “devastating” attacking quartet as the islanders thrashed East Cowes Victoria 8-0 on Saturday.

Alex Godfrey, Ed Bastick, Alex Halloran and Carl McClements were involved in seven of the hosts’ eight goals as they tore through a meek East Cowes side at Grove Corner.

Bastick and Godfrey both scored twice with Carl Morris and McClements adding a goal apiece in the second half.

Lewis Whyton and Adam Linaker were the other goal scorers in the hosts’ sixth league win in a row.

Speaking about the four attackers, Bailey said: “The four are starting to become a really formidable package, they are starting to dominate games.”

Goals haven’t been a problem for Portland this season and they broke the deadlock with just 10 minutes gone.

Godfrey floated a cross to the back post and Bastick arrived late to head the ball past Josh Pietak.

The home side doubled their lead 13 minutes later. It was Godfrey’s turn to get on the scoresheet as he volleyed home after being teed up by Halloran.

Halloran was then involved in the third on the half-hour mark.

After playing a one-two with Godfrey he slotted in Bastick to score his second of the match.

The message from Bailey at half-time appeared to be for more goals, and the islanders flew out of the traps, scoring just three minutes into the half.

Halloran was again the architect as he burst through Victoria’s midfield, placing the ball at Godfrey’s feet and the attacker made no mistake.

Five minutes later the hosts made it five in almost comical fashion when Bastick outmuscled his marker to find McClements in the six-yard box.

His attempted back-heeled finish was poor, but he made up for it with a crashing shot into the roof of the net from point-blank range.

Godfrey was replaced by Adam Linaker and he helped himself to a goal just after 70 minutes.

Morris was also on the scoresheet and Whyton rounded off the rout with a well-placed header from a Halloran corner.

The eight goals impressed the Blues' manager but he was equally pleased with the clean sheet.

He said: “It’s important when you’re dominating to shut up shop because goals conceded devalues the result. I’m delighted with the three points, we are progressing really well.”

Blues: Lillington, Smith, Bessant, Critchell, Whyton, Will (Mutch 49) Bastick (Finch 72), Halloran, McClements, Godfrey (Linaker 59), Morris.

Match ball sponsor: Dave Norster.

Match day programme sponsor: Flatrock Systems Ltd.

Attendance: 116.