TINTINHULL 0 PORTLAND UNITED 4

PORTLAND United responded in emphatic fashion to get back on track in the Dorset Premier League as they hit Tintinhull for four, partly thanks to a strong display from Ed Bastick.

The Blues’ midfielder played a part in their opening three strikes at Tintinhull Playing Fields, and even grabbed one of his own in the second period to seal a good day’s work.

The Blues’ stamped their authority on proceedings from the outset and drew first blood when a cross from Bastick was met by Jake Price, and although the home goalkeeper pulled off a good save, he could not prevent Lewis Clarke slotting home the rebound.

Adam Linaker then made it two just short of the half-hour mark when he put home another delivery from Bastick, and following that, the swift Blues’ man then played in Clarke once more to make it 3-0 before the break.

Portland’s standout performer on the day then found the net himself just past the hour mark to wrap up three comfortable points for boss Gary Bailey, who was happy with the way his side performed.

“It was a pretty straight forward win really,” he told Echosport.

“We hit the bar a couple of times and the keeper made two or three good saves so the four we scored could have turned into six or seven quite easily.”

Commenting on the performance of Bastick, he added: “He gets he fair share of kicks and trips and fouls against him because people see his pace as a threat.

“They can’t catch him so they foul him so he gets a bit of stick.

“I’m glad he got a goal because, from providing three, it was nice for him to get on the scoresheet, he is playing well.”

The only downside for the Blues on the day came when Ben Doidge was given his marching orders for a reckless challenge midway through the second half.

Bailey added: “No one has any arguments, he has apologised. It was just a moment of madness, he saw the ball was there to win and he lunged in and completely got it wrong.

“Managers don’t need to tell players when they have made a rash one and he will get his punishment for it. He will be the one that will end up out of the side.”

The result means Portland, who are now set to be without key man Alex Halloran through injury until the New Year, remain a point behind league leaders Merley Cobham Sports.

Blues: Boyt, Bessant, Whyton, Doidge, Holland (Camp 40), Carmichael, Bastick, Smith, Price (May 62), Clarke, Linaker. Sub not used: Mutch.