BOSS Adi Trimby admitted Parley Sports had perhaps ridden their luck after emerging triumphant following a dramatic finale to their table-topping encounter with Portland.

Toby Holmes struck deep into added time to earn Parley victory over the champions at Christchurch Road as the in-form hosts moved to within four points of the summit.

His clincher came after Portland’s Adam Linaker had thrown Parley a late lifeline by inadvertently netting an own goal just two minutes from time.

Linaker turned Dan Hiscock’s corner past his own goalkeeper to cancel out Ross Carmichael’s stunning free-kick opener for the Islanders 14 minutes from time.

Parley, who had knocked Portland out of the Dorset Senior Cup in October, condemned their rivals to a third league defeat of the campaign and blew wide open the title race.

Asked whether victory had been deserved, Trimby told the Daily Echo: “In terms of effort, commitment, never-say-die attitude and never losing faith, yes.

“If I’m honest, on the balance of play, they probably should have put it to bed in the first half. But the fact our lads showed so much character, you couldn’t take it away from them. Portland paid the price in the end.”

Portland boss Gary Bailey said: “We were magnificent in the first half but you don’t get any points for playing pretty football. You have to be more clinical if you want to win league titles.”

Trimby added: “It was a well-fought and competitive game. They had us on the ropes in the first half and we struggled to get to grips with them.

"But we competed well and kept them out. They had a couple of big chances but we stretched them on the break. Despite all their attempts, our goalkeeper didn’t have to make a save but their guy did.

“They are a strong side and there was a turning point when one of their lads had to go off injured. It affected their shape. We put on Dan Hiscock and they couldn’t handle him.

“We disputed the free-kick for their goal but he took it really well. We stuck at it and took them apart in the closing stages.”

Parley’s title hopes were written off by Bailey earlier this season who predicted Portland would battle it out with Merley Cobham and Hamworthy Rec for the silverware.

Asked whether he thought the three-horse race had become a four-horse race, Trimby replied diplomatically when he said: “I think people can look at the table and draw their own conclusions now.”

Parley: Jones, Cook (Pratt, 78), Milton, Gritt, Hickford (Hiscock, 60), Bosley, Britten, White, Bailey-Pearce, Holmes, Newbery. Unused sub: Wilson.

Portland: Boyt, Smith, Whyton, B Doidge, Holland, Carmichael, Halloran (Austin, 70), Bastick, R Doidge (Camp, h-t), May, Linaker. Unused sub: Mutch.