PORTLAND UNITED 2

SHAFTESBURY 2

PORTLAND United manager Simon Browne has called on the Blues to “see games out” after a late equaliser saw them draw 2-2 against Shaftesbury at Grove Corner in their Sydenhams Wessex League Premier clash.

Browne’s men began slowly and were behind on 20 minutes when Danny Finnigan broke clear and scored after grappling with defender Ash Smith.

Shaftesbury’s opener jolted Portland into action and they forced an equaliser when Alex Godfrey scored after 44 minutes.

Portland then took the lead on the hour mark when Shaun Bessant rose highest at a corner to power a header past Dan Card in the visitors’ goal.

But Portland again failed to hold on a to a slender one-goal margin when Sam Buckler conceded a penalty in the 94th minute. Goalkeeper Sean Lillington managed to save the spot-kick but Jack Vallis swept home the rebound to earn a share of the spoils.

Speaking to Echosport after the game, Browne admitted it was a case of “déjà vu” for the islanders.

He said: “It was a bit of déjà vu. We were sat on the pitch afterwards, thinking we dropped two points. Late goals are often conceded in football matches but I just want us to be a bit more professional and see games out.

“We did have chances to put the game to bed but not as clear cut as other games.

“We didn’t start very well in the first 20 minutes. They broke clear and it was a two-on-one situation. It looked like Ash Smith had been fouled by the forward who scored.

“It woke us up and we scored a good equaliser on the stroke of half-time. The half-time team talk was obviously a little bit easier and I felt confident that we could go on and win the game.

Browne felt that the events of the second half showed the “fine margins” of the game.

“Shaun scored with a header from a corner but unfortunately we just didn’t see the game out. Sam Buckler clipped their lad in the penalty area in the 94th minute.

“Sean Lillington actually saved it but their guy followed up from the rebound. It’s fine margins. Silly mistakes are occurring and it’s a fine line between success and failure,” he said.

The result leaves unbeaten Portland in ninth place in the table, with one win and three draws.

Browne’s side next face a trip to Hampshire on Saturday where AFC Portchester, who sit 15th on three points, lie in wait (3pm).

Blues: Lillington, Smith, Payne (Morris 80), Bessant (Mitchell 70), Whyton, S Buckler, Doidge, M Buckler, Clarke, Godfrey, Halloran. Subs not used: Ayunga, Mutch, Camp

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