PORTLAND UNITED 2 BRIDPORT RESERVES 0

GOALS from Ross Doidge and Carl Mutch preserved Portland United’s unblemished start to the campaign with a 2-0 victory over Bridport Reserves at Grove Corner.

The Blues took the lead on 10 minutes when Doidge beat his man in the box and slotted home after some neat build up play by Alex Halloran and Charlie May.

Portland should have extended their lead from a corner but Ryan McKechnie headed wide of the target at the far post.

A busy Bridport side were always a threat on the break and did cause some problems for the home defence from corners and set-pieces.

The Bees started the second-half the brighter of the two sides and took the game to the home side for the next 20 minutes.

Then, on 80 minutes, the game was all but won when Ed Bastick kept the ball in play and fed Lewis Clarke.

His cross found substitute Mutch in the six-yard box and he produced a first-time finish to make it 2-0.

Portland comfortably saw out the remainder of the game to record their fourth staright win of the season.

“I’m delighted with the result,” said Blues’ boss Gary Bailey. “It was another good workman-like performance from us which at times had some real quality too.

“What’s also pleasing is another clean sheet. We are defending well as a team and long may that continue.

“Bridport were always in the game at 1-0 and were a threat on the break, but we stayed patient and eventually got the second goal that secured the win.

“We now move on to Hamworthy Recreation at home on Saturday which will be a real test for us.”

As for Bees’ boss Robin Townsend, he felt his charges should have taken something from the clash.

“I was pleased with how we played,” he said.

“We gave them a good run for their money and I was a bit disappointed to come away with nothing from the game.

“We felt we were the better team for long periods and we had two great chances but didn’t take them.”

Townsend thanked Portland United for agreeing to delay the kick-off after his players were caught in traffic on the way to the match.

Blues: Carroll, Bessant, Whyton, Austin, Reader (Bastick 55), Halloran, Doidge, Smith, McKechnie, May (Price 75), Clarke (Mutch 60).

Bees: Fry, Porteous, Lock, Taylor, Baggs, Herbst, H Fleet (Cummings 70), Bulman, B Clarke, Rh Hayter (T Gale 60), Scovell.

Match ball sponsor: Micky Barge.