Hampshire League Division Three US PORTSMOUTH 2 WEYMOUTH 2

PATRICK May scored twice but table-topping Weymouth were held to a draw by US Portsmouth in a compelling Hampshire League Division Three encounter.

The Seasiders struggled to adapt to the unusually bouncy Ports-mouth pitch during the opening exchanges, before they gradually began to find their feet and gain a foothold on proceedings.

Andy Styles went close but May did break the deadlock for the visitors, reverse hitting the ball into the net after a Steven Membury shot had deflected off the keeper.

The scoreline remained unchanged up until the half-time interval, after which the play started at a high intensity with both sides looking lively.

And it was Portsmouth who scored the second goal of the contest, restoring parity thanks to a well-drilled short corner routine that gave them hope of turning the tables on the visitors.

Both teams continued to mount strong attacks, however, Weymouth regained the lead courtesy of a superbly executed drag flick from May.

It seemed the visitors were now in firm control as they sought a third goal to increase their advantage, with England international Ian Metcalfe going agonisingly close.

Luke Drewitt then spurned a gilt-edged opportunity to put the match out of sight, and his frustration was evident in an incident that earned him a reprimand for backchat later in the contest.

Weymouth tried their best to protect their lead but the home side created a string of attacks and finally broke their opponents’ resistance from another short corner.

Sensing the Seasiders were vulnerable, Portsmouth piled forward in the dying minutes but the final whistle sounded with honours even.

Weymouth, who have failed to win only two of their 16 league matches this season, remain at the summit but now hold just a one-point lead over second-placed Romsey, who have a game in hand.

Lazy Lizard Man of the Match: Simon Harvey