PORTLAND United chairman Robin Satherley has expressed his delight with the club’s progress.

The Blues are currently flying high in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division at present having secured back to back promotions over the last two campaigns.

Currently third in the league pile, Satherley took to time heap praise on the club’s coaching staff and thanked the local community for their support.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Amesbury Town at Grove Corner (3pm), Satherley said: “The Portland United Football Club management committee, supporters and myself would like to put on the record how much we are all enjoying the performance of the team this season.

“Our 3-0 win on Saturday at Brockenhurst made it 14 league games unbeaten, our last defeat being on October 15, 2016, when we’re beaten 3-2 at home by Newport IOW.

“Obviously much of the praise must go to manager Gary Bailey, assistant Mark Carter and the rest of the coaching staff for their hard work and assembling an excellent squad of players.

“Despite playing against teams with very healthy player budgets, the overall commitment from our players has been second to none and is one of the major reasons why we are currently in third place in the league.”

He added: “Against some pre-season predictions that the Sydenhams Wessex Premier League might be a step too far, they (the players) have responded magnificently and a support gate of 222 at our last home game against Bashley is ample testament to the way we are playing attractive football.

“Our average home gate of 174 we know is envied by a number of clubs in the next league up, the Southern League South & West Division.

“In this respect I would like to thank our loyal supporters and sponsors for their continued support.

“The gate at the recent Bashley game not only produced an excellent atmosphere but provided very welcome extra financial income as we continue to try and improve our ground facilities.”

A win for the island outfit this weekend would be their 20th league victory of the season and could move them up to second spot in the league standings.