PORTLAND UNITED 5

FLEET TOWN 0

A SIZZLING performance from Portland United helped the Blues fly past Fleet Town into the third round of the Sydenhams Wessex League Cup with a 5-0 victory at the Weyline Stadium.

Last year’s runners-up fielded a much-changed side with a view to Saturday’s FA Cup second qualifying round clash with Salisbury, but still had far too much quality for Fleet.

Portland took the lead after a smartly-worked goal from an Alex Godfrey corner, from which Jamie Symes headed the striker’s delivery back across goal for Sol Roche to tuck in.

Fleet will have been seething at the manner of the second goal as Portland rapidly switched from defending a corner to 2-0 up.

Josh Williams made the initial clearance to Roche who, despite having three defenders for company, drove forwards and played Godfrey in, the striker sweeping home to double the hosts’ lead.

Bailey Rowe and Roche both hit the post as Fleet were unfortunate not to trail by more than two goals at the interval.

Portland were again camped in the Fleet half upon the resumption and quickly established a 3-0 lead following a slick team move, Rowe nipping across his man to convert Ryan McKechnie’s cross.

As Fleet floundered in warm conditions, Godfrey slotted home from 15 yards for his brace before substitute Jamie Beasley crossed for fellow sub Ben Morris to coolly finish with his left foot.

The Blues has further chances to score but had to settle for five on a highly satisfying day for manager Brendon King, who praised his young squad.

He told Echosport: “I’m really pleased with the performance, we changed things up with the FA Cup in mind.

“We left some out and gave some game time to players who’ve been patient and sat on the bench.

“We were rewarded with a quality performance and good goals scored.

“I think the average age was something like 23, so I was really, really chuffed with the lads that came in.

“We had Bailey and Sol up front – both 17. Harry Hutchinson, 17, Josh Williams, 18 and James Cox 18, who started.

“It’s really good we’re bringing those young lads through and they didn’t let us down at all.

“We had more chances as well, if I’m honest, so it could’ve been a lot more but you’ll take that, another clean sheet and we’ll look forward to some hard work in preparation for Saturday.”

Blues: Boore, McKechnie (Morris 80), L King, C Clarke, Cox, Symes (Bastick 70), Williams, Hutchinson (Beasley 75), Rowe, S Roche, Godfrey.

Sub not used: Stewart.

Attendance: 136

Man of the match: Bailey Rowe

Match ball sponsor: Roma Flew

Match programme sponsor: BMWeymouth – Andy Avant.

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