PORTLAND UNITED 2

MERLEY COBHAM SPORTS 2

FINISHING runners-up in the Dorset Premier League after claiming back-to-back titles is an “achievement you can’t underestimate” in the eyes of Portland United boss Gary Bailey.

The Blues secured second place behind champions Hamworthy Recreation with a 2-2 draw against Merley Cobham Sports at Grove Corner on Saturday.

Luke Stone’s 73rd-minute equaliser denied his side a flawless home record this term but Bailey was still immensely proud of his players’ efforts.

“I think we’ve won nine and drawn two of our last 11 games and that just shows you the desire the players have got for this club,” he told Echosport.

“It would have been nice to finish the season with a 100 per cent record at home but we’re still unbeaten at Grove Corner and won 27 of 34 games in total.

“To be champions two years in a row and then to follow that up with runners-up is an achievement you can’t underestimate.

To come second and take the title race to the second from last game is testament to the squad.

“I’ve got a great squad, a great bunch of lads, and now we’re looking forward to see if we are going up to the Wessex League.”

Portland got their last fixture of the campaign off to a flyer when Carl Mutch, who had to be substituted soon after, scored from distance on 11 minutes.

But Merley levelled on the stroke of halftime when Stone nipped in to flick home at the near post.

Ashley Smith restored the hosts’ lead just before the hour mark, finding the corner after being found by Charlie Holland.

Merley replacement Elliott Goward then delivered a cross which Stone glanced in to make it 2-2 with 17 minutes left.

The Blues were presented with a great chance to snatch the win deep in stoppage time but Lewis Clarke’s effort was smothered by Merley keeper Jamie Perry.

“We were good value for the first 25 minutes and I thought we deserved to be in the lead,” added Bailey.

Blues: Bickerstaff, Bessant, Holland, Carmichael (Jackson 79), Austin, Mutch (Reader 13), Smith, Bastick, Whyton, Linaker (May 66), Clarke. Subs not used: Camp, Price.

Attendance: 146

Matchday sponsor: Malcolm Brewer

Programme sponsor: BMWeymouth Charlestown Garage