ROMSEY TOWN 2

PORTLAND UNITED 3

DESPITE bad habits returning, Portland United advanced to the second round of the Buildbase FA Vase with a 3-2 victory over Romsey Town.

Two goals from Tom Richardson and a strike from Max Buckler saw the islanders limp over the line.

However, after a strong first-half display, the Blues struggled to match that intensity in a stuttering second-half showing – much like in last week’s 3-2 loss to Newport (IoW).

Manager Gary Bailey told Echosport: “We made hard work of it, to be honest. We’re delighted to be in the hat. That’s what it’s all about and making sure you stay in the competition.

“The players know that the performance in the second half was less than what they needed to do.

“You have dips in form but it’s strange we’re doing it when we’re in a strong position. We’ll be working hard to make sure we don’t get a repeat of that.”

Everything seemed to be going swimmingly for Portland in the first half as Richardson netted in the 20th minute after connecting with an Ashley Smith cross.

He then doubled the visitors’ advantage soon after with a composed finish after good work from Darren Watts and Jamie Beasley.

Portland were in complete control during the first half but Bailey had to change his half-time team talk as Romsey got a goal back in the 43rd minute, after a defensive mishap. A lack of communication at the back saw Sean Lillington’s clearance hit Ross Carmichael, allowing Rian Jima-Otero to steal in and change the complexity of the game.

In last week’s lost to Newport, Portland struggled to see the game out and those gremlins returned in the second half against the lower-league opposition.

It took until five minutes before time for the Blues to net their third. Some good interchange from Alex Halloran and Alex Godfrey freed up space for Ryan McKechnie. His shot fell to Buckler who drove home a vicious shot to restore the away side’s two-goal cushion.

There was just enough time left for the hosts to score through Dan Fox but it was just a consolation goal for Romsey as Portland advanced into the next round.

Asked what his ideal tie for the next round will be, Bailey said: “A home draw to start with because you want to be at home and it gives you that little bit of an advantage.”

Blues: Lillington, Smith, Clarke, Carmichael, Whyton, Doidge (McKechnie 60), Watts (Buckler 60), Halloran, Richardson, Bastick, Beasley. Subs not used: Bearwish, Bessant