ANDOVER NEW STREET 1

PORTLAND UNITED 4

PORTLAND United cruised into the second round of the Sydenhams Wessex League Cup with an excellent 4-1 win over Andover New Street at Foxcotte Park.

Two goals from Jamie Beasley either side of the interval as well as strikes from Alex Godfrey and Darren Watts saw the islanders safely through.

After the game, manager Gary Bailey told Echosport: “We were disappointed to let a goal in late on but it certainly didn’t take the shine off the win for me.

“I wanted us to back up the performance that we put in against Moneyfields (last weekend) and I felt we did that.

“I am delighted to get through to the next round.”

Portland will now face either holders Team Solent, who knocked the Blues out of the cup in last year’s competition, or Brockenhurst in the next round.

But first for Bailey’s side is a home game against Andover Town in the league on Saturday (3pm).

Lewis Whyton came through an hour against New Street and should be fit for the game.

Shaun Bessant could play a part as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

Alex Halloran will be missing but Bailey welcomes back Tom Richardson, Ed Bastick and Tom Bearwish into the squad after they were rested in midweek.