PORTLAND UNITED 2

ALMONDSBURY UWE 0

TWO second-half strikes ensured Portland United secured their spot in the first round proper of the FA Vase.

The Blues, returning to the competition this season after a decade out, will go into Monday's draw for the next stage of the competition after overcoming Western League Division One outfit Almondsbury UWE 2-0 at Grove Corner.

And while manager Gary Bailey admitted the scoreline could have been greater in their favour, he was content to see his charges take the next step in the national competition.

He told Echosport: “On another day it could have been more comfortable than 2-0 sounds but we are not greedy, it’s all about qualifying.

“It’s nice to be in the pot and be part of the excitement and intrigue to see what’s happening.”

The Blues went in at the break with the score deadlocked at 0-0 on Saturday, but they had their share of chances during the opening period.

Ed Bastick fluffed his lines from close range with an effort that spun up over the bar, Ross Carmichael also had a big opportunity from inside the box.

But, following some words from the coaching staff at half-time, Portland found their stride and took the lead on 67 minutes.

Winger Bastick capitalised on an under-hit pass from the visitors. He nipped in and made no mistake when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

Alex Halloran then unleashed a sublime strike from all of 25 yards which looked destined for the top corner, only to be denied by a cracking save with the Almondsbury keeper tipping the ball onto the bar.

But the tie was sealed with 73 minutes on the clock. A ball in was half-cleared to Portland’s Chris Clarke on the edge of the area and he volleyed into the bottom corner with his weaker foot.

There was still time for a chance to fall for Portland substitute Tom Bearwish and Jamie Beasley also had opportunities to increase the advantage, but manager Bailey was pleased to progress.

He added: “We settled down, started trusting each other with the ball and played some good stuff in the second half. We thoroughly deserved to win it in the end.

“I don’t think they had a single threat in the second half, they hardly got out of their half.”

Giving his thoughts ahead of the draw, the island boss added: “We are pretty relaxed, from a travelling point of view it is always nice to have a home draw but whoever we get we will look forward to it.”

Blues: Lillington, Smith, Whyton, Carmichael, Clarke, Watts, M Buckler, Halloran (Bearwish 70), Bastick, Beasley (Doidge 80), Godfrey (Richardson 70).

Home man of the match: Darren Watts

Attendance: 141

Match sponsor: Ayya Bar Weymouth