Reynolds: Upwey can be contenders

Upwey & Broadwey showed more than enough against reigning champions Portland United Reserves to suggest they can be contenders this season, according to Steve Reynolds.

Chris Reader put the Blues in front in this Dorset Senior League encounter but after the break Upwey hit back and were arguably the better side.

Substitute Ethan Devaney equalIsed by turning in a cross from Nathan Aston before United regained the lead when Charlie May forced the ball past Tony Wyatt following an attempted clearance from Clive Johnson.

Five minutes later and it was all square again with Devaney volleying home following fine work from Richard Frost, but just when a draw looked on the cards the Blues snatched victory with a goal from Joe Toghill just three minutes from time.

Despite that disappointment Upwey boss Reynolds was happy with his side’s showing. He said: “They had a strong team out and went 1-0 up but the first half was pretty nondescript with both sides showing each other a bit too much respect.

“We went with five across the midfield in a bid to keep it tight but that was probably a mistake because as soon as we changed it to four we began to play much better.

“Ethan came on late in the half for Pete Bochonko after he had pulled a hamstring and we also switched James Baker with Sam Nicholls at half-time to give us two up top.

“The change in system had the desired effect and in the second half we played much better and caused them a lot more problems.

“Ethan equalised three minutes after the break and he went on to score again just after they had retaken the lead.

“Both teams then appeared to settle for the draw until three minutes from time when a slip by Nathan allowed one of their lads to go through and hit the winner.

“It was disappointing to lose but even they said after the game that they did not deserve to beat us.

“A draw would have been a fair result but the important thing now is that we take the positives from it and build on them.

“Our second half performance was tremendous and we showed more than enough in that half to show we are a very good side.”

Looking at the game from a Portland perspective, midfielder Steve Churchill added: “We were fortunate to pick up all three points as we didn’t play to our full capacity but we defended well and took our chances so the signs are good.

“They will feel unlucky not to take a point from the game, which they probably deserved.”

Upwey will also be at Redlands this Saturday when Stourpaine pay a visit while Portland travel to Westland Sports.

Upwey: Wyatt, Aston, Johnson, Anderson, Porteous, Nichols (Baker 46), Frost, Young, Kenderdine, Pearce, Bochonko (Devaney 40). Subs not used: Sweetser-Hawkes, Clark, Jarvis.