PORTLAND United boss Kyle Critchell praised the “resilience” of his side as they battled back to win 3-2 at Blackfield & Langley to continue their push towards the Wessex Premier play-offs.

The Blues trailed early on at Gang Warily to a Josh Rose strike, but turned the game on its head by half-time courtesy of a Josh Williams penalty and an own goal.

George Stuttle opened up a two-goal cushion before Jamie Blackburn pulled back a consolation for the hosts.

The win keeps Portland sixth, two points and one place behind Brockenhurst, who occupy the final play-off berth with eight games to go.

Reflecting on the win, Critchell told the club’s media: “We didn’t get started in the first 15 minutes and got punished.

“They came out of the traps really quickly and were very direct. It just wasn’t like us.

“In terms of the reaction, we should’ve scored more than three, but a win away from home is important.”

He added: “For 60 or 70 minutes, we played some of the best football we have done away from home. We made some really good decisions when we were attacking. We were really creative.

“We were working in combinations, overlaps and underlaps, crosses into the box. But it’s testament to the lads they’ve got the resilience.

“Our away form this season is already much, much better than it was last season.

“It puts pressure on the teams around us. We’re probably batting above where we should be, but we’re enjoying it and we’re loving the journey.

“It sets us up nicely for a long trip on Friday.”

Portland face another quick turnaround, heading to face league leaders Moneyfields in Chichester on Friday evening (8pm).

Blues: Bruton, Harvey, Bessant, Symes, Stuttle, Delves, Williams, Doyle, Wickham, Morris, Camp.

Subs: Gadsby, Callow, Clarke, Coombes, Bent.