Hamble gave themselves a fighting chance of Division 1 survival after first-half goals by Louis Langdown and Ross Bottomley completed the double over fellow strugglers Portland United at Folland Park.

But manager Danny Bowers knows his charges must win at least two of their last five matches to stand any chance of overtaking their Dorset relegation rivals in the final run-in.

The 2-0 win cut the gap between Hamble and Portland to four points.

But it won't have escaped Bowers's attention that the Blues next three matches are at home, while Hamble have four of their last five games away.

Nonetheless, Hamble thoroughly deserved their win against a disappointing Portland outfit who showed little appetite for the scrap until after half-time.

"We knew the significance of this game and were right on the button from the start. We came out of the blocks at speed and they couldn't cope with us for the first 20 minutes," beamed Bowers, who was so engrossed with the game he seemed to be living every pass and tackle alongside his dugout.

Hamble got their noses in front after ten minutes - Langdown capping a bright first half with a neat scissor shot after Dean Wheeler had laid the ball in.

Portland's Levi Dailley fluffed a gift-wrapped chance of an equaliser soon afterwards, but his was a rare scoring opportunity as Hamble continued to boss affairs.

Hamble's second, six minutes before the break, settled it.

Rob Cox's corner picked out Whelan deep at the far post and the left wing-back headed back across goal for Bottomley to score from close range.

It was only Bottomley's fourth goal of the season - but two of them have set up a double over Portland!

"I warned the lads at half-time that Portland would come out at us strong and said that, whatever happened, it was imperative we didn't concede a goal," Bowers said.

"We've been shipping in loads of scrappy goals all season - 113 in all - but this time we held firm."

Portland played three men up front in an effort to get back into the game - but, with Trevor Cox commanding at the back, Hamble's Nick O'Donnell was seldom tested.

Carl Mutch put two efforts over the bar, but generally Portland had little to offer in an increasingly scrappy and poor quality affair.

HAMBLE: O'Donnell, George, Wheeler, Vinton, Cummings, Hedges, Langdown, R Cox, Morse, Bottomley, T Cox. Subs: Ball, Smith, Trevaskis.

Portland United: Gadsby, Skelton, Thoday, J Dailley, Wallis, Linard, Bews, Cullen, L Dailley, Mutch, Doige. Subs: Murray, Whyton, Wisden.

Referee: Mr M Bloor (New Milton).

Attendance: 56.