CRANBORNE 1

PORTLAND UNITED 1

PORTLAND United suffered a minor setback in their bid for Magna Dorset Premier League glory as they were held by lowly Cranborne.

The Blues dominated for large periods and also took the lead at the Mick Loader Recreational Ground courtesy of an own goal.

But a penalty late in the first half, conceded by keeper Nick Carroll, secured a share of the spoils for the home side.

Assistant-manager Gary Bailey, whose men remain top of the pile, said: “We are disappointed.

“Although it’s not the easiest place to go, you are expected to win.

“We started okay and enjoyed a lot of possession but we failed to find that killer pass in and around the box.

“We then got given a free-kick out on the right, Alex Halloran delivered a really good ball into the near post and their defender turned it into his own net.

“At that point I thought we would get a really good foothold in the game. We huffed and puffed but we weren’t keeping the ball particularly well.

“Then five minutes before half-time, Nick came rushing out and gave away a soft penalty after we had failed to clear our lines.

“It was 1-1 at half-time, which was disappointing as we had enjoyed the lion’s share of the game.

“We played a bit better in the second half and created lots of chances but, as has often been the case since Christmas, we failed to find the net. It’s okay having possession and creating chances but if you don’t score you will come away with disappointing results, which is exactly what happened.

“We will take the point but if you are going to win the league you need to come to places like this and pick up three points.

“Fair play to Cranborne, they made life difficult and defended for their lives.”

Hamworthy Recreation and Wincanton Town, who sit second and third respectively, are just two points adrift but with a game to spare.

The Blues will aim for a swift return to winning ways when they host Holt United this weekend.

Blues: Carroll, B Skelton, Carter, Clarke, Cranny, Litherland, Grimason (Turrell 80), Halloran, Toghill, Boatswain (Mutch 60), Pattison (Chance 80).