PORTLAND UNITED RESERVES 1 PIDDLETRENTHIDE UNITED 1

THE Blues were left cursing a momentary lapse in concentration after their latest outing in the Dorset Senior League.

The title-holders took the lead when Matt Camp set up Charlie May in the second half but they were unable to hold on as Will Rumsey grabbed Piddletrenthide a deserved equaliser.

Portland boss Lee Clarke told Echosport: “It was a very good game. In fact it was the best of the season so far with two teams that really wanted to play in the right way.

“For the first 20 minutes, we were on top but then Rob Maxted went down with an injury which looks like ligaments and could keep him out until Christmas.

“With two players having dropped out on the morning of the game, we only had one substitute so we made the change and then had to stick with what we had.

“Piddle then got into it and both teams had chances to take the lead before the break. Chris Reader missed a penalty for us while they hit the bar and post.

“We then upped the tempo in the second half and managed to get in front through Charlie May, and from there it looked like we would go on to get the second and third.

“However, for some reason we keep having lapses in games and in the end Piddle pulled one back with a great goal from Will Rumsey.

“Matt Camp then went on to hit a post but overall I think the draw was fair.”

Portland now lie fourth, eight points adrift of unbeaten leaders Mere Town, who have only dropped two points so far this season.

Blues: Theakstone, Preston, Cranny, Turner, Kelly, Camp, Churchill, Reader, Tugwell, May, Maxted (Mutch 25).