PORTLAND United manager Gary Bailey believes the competition for starting spots at Grove Corner is “as strong as it’s ever been”.

Bailey has been boosted by the return of wingers Ed Bastick and Jamie Beasley from injury and suspension respectively – both came off the bench during the 3-1 home win over Bashley on Saturday, with the latter netting the islanders’ third goal.

With the likes of regular first-teamers Ross Carmichael and Ashley Smith also named among the Portland substitutes at the weekend, Bailey described the options he had on the bench as “terrific”.

He told Echosport: “Jamie came off the bench and made an impact. Ed (Bastick) also came on and I had a terrific bench – it just shows the strength in depth we have at the moment.

“The competition for places at the club is as strong as it’s ever been. The players that are playing know they need to play to their limits to stay in the side.

“That is great for me as a manager and us as a coaching group, to be able to have those options.

“I have a 17-man squad now that I am delighted to have.

“The boys have bought into what we are trying to do, we are doing it for the right reasons and hopefully we can keep everyone happy, interested, and hungry to play in these closing games.

“We are going to need every one of them.”