MONEYFIELDS 0 Portland UNITED 2 PORTLAND United completed a quick-fire Sydenhams Wessex League double over Moneyfields in Ports-mouth on Saturday.

Having beaten their opponents 2-0 at Grove Corner a fortnight ago, the Blues gave a repeat performance at Moneyfields Lane.

First half goal from James Reeve and Warren White did the trick for the islanders who are now almost guaranteed their place in the division next season.

Assistant boss Barry Lawley said: "We played very well and it was a good feeling travelling home with three points in the bag. We've not done that too many times this season but we thoroughly deserved them this time.

"Moneyfields isn't the Easiest place to go and their pitch certainly leaves a little to be desired. But we got stuck in and controlled the first half and that's when the damage was done.

"The only disappointment is that we didn't come out after the break and kill them off like we could have done but on this occasion it didn't cost us which was pleasing."

Portland played some neat attacking football early on, giving their hosts plenty to think about in and around the penalty box.

And on 25 minutes their work was rewarded when James Reeve got the final touch to poke the ball into the net following a goalmouth scramble which saw Chris Evans have a shot cleared off the line.

The visitors then added to their tally seven minutes before half-time when Warren White cut inside after beating two defenders and hit a

glorious effort that left the home keeper rooted to the spot.

The expected Moneyfields second half fightback

never came and not for the first time in recent weeks, United keeper Paul Myers was no more than a spectator behind a well-organised defence.

But Portland rarely threatened at the other end either although Reeve went close with a shot that just curled wide of the far post.

Lawley added: "The hard work was done in the first half and that probably

tempted us to sit back a bit to deep after the break. But we never looked like conceding a goal and defender Danny Cullen, Alan Rodgers and Mark Kenway were outstanding.

"Another lad who did really well was Andy Perkins who was playing his first game for months following a bad knee injury. He came in for Danny Bews who was unavailable and the long lay off doesn't seem to have affected him too much."

Blues: Myers, Perkins, Cullen, Kenway, Rodgers, Turrell, Whalley, White, Laws (L Dailey 86mins), Reeve, C Evans (Armstrong 77mins). Sub not used: Mason.

Attendance: 49