MONEYFIELDS 2

PORTLAND UNITED 1

PORTLAND United manager Gary Bailey was thrilled to see his side back to their near best despite the 2-1 loss away to Moneyfields.

Chris Clarke scored the islanders' only goal of the game just a minute after the hosts had taken the lead through Ashley Harris a minute before. The home side scored the winner in the 30th minute after Gary Austin broke the offside trap.

The Blues may now be winless in four league games, but Bailey was pleased with their performance in Portsmouth.

Speaking to Echosport after the game, the manager said: “It was a really close game, I’m not sure how we didn’t get something out of the game.

“I feel so sorry for the boys, they gave me everything today.

“It was chalk and cheese from last week (a 5-2 defeat to Bashley), I was furious with our performance then, but I couldn’t be more happier other than the result.”

However, the game did not start well for the away side.

Gareth Will’s under-hit backpass allowed Harris to steal in and score the opening goal of the game with a tap-in from close range.

But, their agony was shortlived, as Clarke levelled shortly afterwards with the next attack of the game.

The ball dropped down to the left-back in the danger area and he made no mistake to convert his first goal of the season.

After the leveller, Portland took control of the game. Jamie Beasley had a one-on-one chance on his normally lethal left foot, but he put his shot wide of the mark.

Tom Richardson had a similar effort soon after, but he spurned his effort too.

Then came the decisive moment. With the islanders fighting a rare moment of pressure, Austin was able to get in behind the defence and score.

With an hour still to play, Bailey’s charges had time to pull their way back into the clash.

Ryan McKechnie had a shot that looked bound for the top corner, but the Moneyfields’ stopper tipped it over the bar.

More chances came and went for the visitors, but they were unable to score their second goal.

Bailey added: “They were begging for the final whistle.

“Fair play, they were resolute in defence but we weren’t as clinical as we could have been.

“We had lots of play up until the final ball, but it didn’t fall for

us.

“I’m disappointed with the result but I can’t be disappointed with the response that they gave me.”

The Blues are back in action on Wednesday when they travel to Andover New Street looking to end their winless run.

Blues: Lillington, Smith, Buckler, Carmichael, Clarke, Watts, Will (Bearwish 60), McKechnie, Godfrey, (Whyton 70), Beasley, Richardson (Bigg 80). Subs not used: Weeks