PTFC THE GEORGE INN 3 PTFC DAMERS BLINDS 3

THE first draw in Portland Town’s inter-club league resulted in Damers Blinds remaining top of the table on goal difference.

Damers, buoyed by their trouncing of Ricol Leisure, started the more confident of the two sides.

Shane Maguire came in for the absent Ross Jones to form another formidable midfield partnership with Lewie Dolan and Craig Wells.

New signing James Duncan partnered Edd Barber at the back while another debutant, Charlie Fox, made his first appearance for the club in more than two years.

Damers took the lead on 25 minutes after Steve McGowan’s delightful pass found skipper Maguire and he fired home from a tight angle.

The lead was doubled before the break when Dan Holden latched onto a wayward back pass.

George Inn manager Mike O’Donovan rang the changes at half-time, brining on Colin Russ for Luke Atkins.

Russ made an immediate impact as the George's new recruit, Simon Shapcott, was pushed into midfield.

Shapcott and Russ linked up well for their side’s opener as a poor clearance from Damers fell to Luke Moorley who fired home through a crowded penalty area.

Russ then went from provider to scorer as he made a darting run into the box before unleashing a powerful drive for his first club goal.

Then, with 10 minutes left, Floyd Musson met a Jamie Coleman corner to put the George 3-2 up.

Damers' Wells suffered a head injury in the process but he was fit to continue after receiving treatment.

Damers looked tired at this point having already played a pre-season friendly earlier in the morning in Bournemouth.

However, McGowan and Damers were having none of it, and 10 minutes from time a poor clearance resulted in the equaliser – McGowan’s low drive nestled in Adam Sedwell’s net for 3-3.

O’Donovan said: “I think we had the players out there that could, and maybe should, have won that game.

Opposite number Ben White added: “I’d have taken a draw at the start, especially after playing earlier in the day, but once we were 2-0 up I wanted to win.

“But the table doesn't lie and at this moment Damers are top, and I'm delighted with that.”

The next inter-league game is on August 22 when the George have another chance to go top when they face the ever-improving Molyneux.