PORTLAND UNITED 2

AMESBURY TOWN 0

PORTLAND United moved to within two points of league leaders Moneyfields after their 2-0 victory over Amesbury Town.

The hosts looked very impressive in the opening period, playing some terrific football and moving the ball round with ease.

They took the lead on 26 minutes when Ed Bastick picked up the ball on the halfway line and made a solo run into the heart of the defence before slotting past the goalkeeper.

The visitors raised their game in the second half, disrupting Portland’s passing play without ever really threatening until they were awarded a penalty for handball on Ross Carmichael, which Sean Lillington did well to save.

This seemed to spark the Blues back into life as they pushed to secure the win, and did just that after the introduction of Jamie Beasley, who finished a counter-attacking move started by Ryan McKechnie.

Speaking after the game, island manager Gary Bailey was pleased to get the win against a tough Amesbury side.

He said: “The overall display was excellent. The first half was terrific with our passing and movement, and in the second, we were determined and resolute.

“Even though Amesbury came back into it, it wasn’t a case of them peppering our goal and surviving loads of scares, it was just that they worked their socks off to contain our play, so you have to praise them for that.

“I was delighted with the clean sheet, delighted with the two goals and we move on with six games to go.”

The win moves the Blues closer to league leaders Moneyfields, but even with the table-toppers facing a potential points deduction, Bailey says he is looking to his side’s experience to win the next game against Fareham on Saturday (3pm).

He said: “We can’t speculate on the deduction, it’s being dealt with by the authorities and the club, all we can do is concentrate on the next game.

“We have experienced lads, they know the situation we’re in and have been in title races for the last two or three seasons, so it’s not a position that’s new to them.

“That’s why you start your hard work in July so that you’re in the mix in the league and cup finals when April and May come round.

“Fortunately for us we are in that position and we’re going to do all we can to stay up there and enjoy every minute of it.”

Blues: Lillington, Bessant, Whyton, Carmichael, Clarke, Halloran, Buckler, Watts (Godfrey), Bastick (Beasley), McKechnie, Clarke. Subs not used: Doidge

Attendance: 130

Match-Ball Sponsor: Josie Lawley

Programme Sponsor: The Cove House Inn