PORTLAND UNITED RES 2

BLANDFORD UNITED 1

PORTLAND United Reserves continued their winning run to seven games with a 2-1 success against Blandford United in the Dorset Premier League.

Goals from Alex Halloran and Billy Mitchell helped lift the islanders up to second in the table.

It was the Blues that went ahead on 15 minutes, as Halloran, returning from injury, hit an unstoppable shot into the top of the net.

Portland doubled their advantage on 39 minutes, when Billy Mitchell’s cross-cum-shot found the back of the away team’s

net.

Good chances for the Blues in the first half also fell to Sol Roche who had his drive saved well by the away goalkeeper while Mitchell went through one-on-one but his drive was also saved by the Blandford stopper.

In the second half, Portland had the upper hand in terms of possession, and could have extended their lead but Roche’s header was well saved before he saw his fierce shot hit the crossbar and went over.

Sean Zima saw his low drive tipped around the post from the edge of the box.

Mitchell had another one-on-one and was again unable to beat the Blandford goalkeeper who was in inspired form.

Jamie Beasley was played through by Sean Hawke but his ball across the box for Roche was cut out with a last-ditch tackle, before Beasley blasted over from a left-wing cross.

In the last five minutes, Blandford exerted some pressure and got their consolation when a free-kick into the box was converted.

Portland manager Justin Faulkner said: “I thought we played reasonably well but we have missed some really good chances to score some goals.

“A mixture of poor finishing, decisions and some outstanding goalkeeping have kept them in the game for the majority.

“I think perhaps we should have gone in at half-time with a bigger lead but in the second half some of the chances we missed were criminal really.

“Then Blandford scored with five minutes to go and then we looked nervous but we should not have got to that point with the chances we have had.”

Faulkber’s men travel to Holt United’s Petersham Lane on Saturday, November 24.

Portland United Reserves: Tewkesbury, Sharpe, Hankin, Curran, Evans, Anstey, Zima, Halloran (Hawke 60), S Roche (Camp 70), Beasley, Mitchell (Ryan 85). Subs not used: Jones, E Roche.

Ball Sponsor: Royal Manor of Portland Athletics Club