PORTLAND UNITED 7 SHERBORNE TOWN RESERVES 1

PORTLAND United hit back on their return to league action as they produced a magnificent seven to see off of Sherborne Town Reserves at Grove Corner on Saturday.

Ed Bastic, Ashley Smith, Lewis Clarke and an own goal turned in from a Ross Doidge corner put Gary Bailey’s troops four up and cruising at half time.

And although they conceded shortly after the interval, Alex Halloran notched a goal on his return and strike duo Smith and Clarke both doubled their tallies to claim the homes side’s ninth league win from ten games this term.

Bailey told Echosport: “It was an excellent all round per-formance and I couldn’t fault anyone.

“We were professional, sharp and produced some great passing which I was delighted with.”

Bailey asked for a reaction from his side after their 4-4 draw with Blandford United in the Dorset Premier League Cup last time out, a game which they won on penalties but were lacklustre in their performance.

And the Blues’ boss was delighted with how his side responded.

He added: “We don’t want to dwell on last week but the two performances were chalk and cheese and the players did exactly what we asked them to do. The two performances were poles apart and it was really pleasing to see.

“Everybody was on it right the way through the whole 14 players that were used, they all had a good day and when you get that right it all clicks into place.”

The win puts the Blues into third position in the league, with a game in hand and a three-point deficit to make up on league leaders Hamworthy Recreation.

Manager Bailey added: “It’s important we keep winning and it’s still very tight up there. It is going to be nip and tuck all the way through but it’s just a case of being up and around it as the season wears on. Those who deserve it will be up there.”

Blues: Boyt, Bessant (Austin 65), Whyton, Carmichael, Holland, Mutch (Halloran 25), Bastic (B Doidge 60), R Doidge, Price, Smith, Clarke.

Match ball sponsor: Diane Stone

Programme sponsor: The Famous Old Spa