Portland UNITED 1

WESTLAND SPORTS 1

TEN-MAN Portland United held out for a precious point against title rivals Westland Sports at Grove Corner.

The Blues went into the game on the back of an incredible 11-game winning streak but this time around things did not go according to plan with Alex Halloran missing a first-half penalty and Lewis Whyton receiving his marching orders for a second yellow card.

Halloran made amends for his saved spot-kick by converting Chris Reader’s cross just before the break but when Dean Corden levelled in the second half with a fine volley the visitors began to get their tails up However, despite Whyton’s dismissal soon after, the Blues showed tremendous character to hold on in the closing stages to retain their place at the top of the Magna Dorset Premier League table.

Portland boss Stuart Heath said: “It was a tight and fiercely competitive game between two good teams at the top end of the league.

“We started well with real confidence and belief but once we scored we went into our shells and got a bit nervous.

“We then began to lose our shape a bit, which allowed them to put us under pressure, but in the end we showed great fitness and desire to hold on despite being a man down in the closing stages.

“Had we got that second goal when we were on top I think we would have won it but I am sure they will be feeling the same after having an extra man for a good length of time.

“It was an opportunity missed for both teams in many ways but we are still top of the league and hopefully we can ensure over the next couple of weeks that we stay there with so many teams hot on our heels.”

Commenting on Whyton’s red card, Heath added: “I had no complaints with the first booking but the second was disappointing because it was just a typical strong challenge from a centre-back where he got the ball and a bit of the man at the same time.”

Portland now sit one point clear of Hamworthy Recreation and Wincanton Town while Sports lie five points off the pace in fourth. Rec and the Yeovil outfit also hold a game in hand.

Blues: Carroll, Wells, Reader, Whyton, Carter, Halloran (Burton 80), Doidge, Toghill, Chance (Batchelor 70), Linaker, Pattison.

Attendance: 138