“PROGRESS is being made” was the message from Gary Bailey after his Portland United side swept to a 5-0 win over Shepton Mallet.

Two goals from Max Buckler as well as Alex Godfrey, Alex Halloran and Ryan McKechnie strikes helped the islanders to their first win of pre-season and the manager was pleased with the improved performance.

He told Echosport: “It was a very good display. In every training session and in every game we want to see progression in our sharpness, fitness and organisation.

“Fair play to the team, we saw all of that out on the field.

“We have got the rustiness out of our game, we looked much brighter.

“We are trying to gel players together, so the more we can get minutes under our belts on the pitch in the next couple of games the better they will become.”

Buckler scored two goals having just joined up with the squad and Bailey was impressed with the former Bridport player’s display.

He added: “He’s fitting in well and it was nice of him to get on the scoresheet.

“It’s not something he’s known for but he made some nice runs and he showed good energy.

“Without getting too carried away, because it is pre-season, we are showing improvements from Gillingham and we have to make sure that continues on Wednesday night (against Sherborne Town).”