WHILE his side struck six against New Milton Town to retain their healthy seven-point advantage in Sydenhams Wessex League Division One on Saturday, Portland United boss Gary Bailey also reserved extended praise for his team’s defensive effort.

The Blues have only conceded 11 goals in 13 league outings so far this term and boast the best defensive and goalscoring record in the division to date.

Reflecting further on Saturday’s triumph, in which his side surged to victory over the Linnets with another clean sheet to their name, Bailey told Echosport: “We did the basics right and earned the right to win the game.

“All of the back four were absolutely magnificent.

“In a game where it was all about concentration and keeping your focus, every little sniff they (New Milton) had was snuffed out by the lads.

“We just reduced them to zero chances. I can’t remember Sean Lillington having a save to make.

“That’s a testament to their concentration that they were able to do that.”

Portland, who have also put in a seven-day approach for Bridport’s Jamie Symes, face one of their biggest tests to date in the league so far when they travel to second-placed Amesbury Town on Saturday (3pm).

And the island boss insists his side are already revved up for the top-of-the-table showdown.

“Our focus has already switched from our chat in the changing room after the game (against New Milton) to Amesbury,” Bailey added.

“We are not getting carried away, we are keeping our feet on the ground, and we are only as good as our next performance.

“We are pleased with our form and obviously we will go up there full of confidence, but Amesbury will be the same.

“They won again on Saturday, as did US Portsmouth, so it is tight up the top and we have to keep taking care of business.”

He added: “If we do what we know we can do well then we know we are going to be a tough proposition for anyone we play against.

“We can’t control what we play against but we can control ourselves and that’s what our focus has been on, and it’s standing us in good stead at the moment.”

Bailey also indicated Portland captain Lewis Whyton, who has been troubled by a knee injury, is making good progress.