Portland manager Kyle Critchell has praised his side after witnessing the 'best 45 minutes' of the seasons so far.

The Blues boss was speaking after his team's first three points of the campaign with a 1-0 win away to Fareham.

Speaking to Echosport, he said: "I think sometimes when you have your back up against the wall you get your best performance. 

"The first half was the best 45 minutes we have played this season and the second half was a traditional away performance.

"We defended the box well in testing moments."

Critchell was forced to play himself at the heart of the defence with the club struggling with injuries. 

When asked if his presence in the back line contributed to the team's clean sheet, or if work on the training pitch was the reason, he added: "I think it is a bit of both. 

"We have worked hard and we try to analyse each game, but to have a voice on the pitch and leader helps. 

"I may not be quite there physically but verbally I could organise and I had great players around me to help with the physical stuff.

"It's only going to get better from here and there are plenty of positive signs for now."