GARY Bailey hailed Portland United’s last-gasp 2-1 win at home to Bemerton Heath Harlequins as one of the finest moments of his managerial career.

It means the Islanders may yet be crowned Sydenhams Premier champions if league leaders Moneyfields’ appeal against a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player is thrown out at Wednesday's FA hearing.

With Moneyfields beating Newport IoW 1-0 courtesy of captain Steve Hutchings' 75th-minute strike, it looked as if the result of that hearing would be immaterial as Portland entered stoppage-time all square against Bemerton.

But Ryan McKechnie’s 95th-minute winner ramped up the tension, leaving Portland two points behind the leaders.

“I’m elated. If I’m honest I didn’t think we were going to pull it (the victory) off,” smiled Bailey.

“It wasn’t a great game and I knew that would be case and that is credit to Bemerton, who kept their integrity throughout.

“The pressure was all on us to perform and that team in the dressing room have proved time and time again that they’ve got that winning mentality.

“For the spectacle and the adrenaline rush, there is no better way of winning it."

Although Moneyfields could yet miss out on the title, the Portsmouth table-toppers celebrated like champions with manager Dave Carter admitting it would be a “travesty” if they were to have three points taken away.

Either way, it's an unsatisfactory end to the season with the title to be decided off the pitch rather than on it.

“There is that frustration,” admitted Bailey. “I feel sorry for that group of players (Portland), who have been denied the opportunity to celebrate in front of nearly 250 fans at the end of ten months of hard work.

“This is the same for Moneyfields.

“They had a home game and they’ve been denied it too.

"It’s their battle and the powers that be will make the decision."