Portland prevail in extra-time

PERSISTENT Portland prevailed in extra-time to secure their passage to round two of the Dorset Senior Cup.

The islanders dominated proceedings at Purbeck Sports Centre but were unable to break the deadlock in normal time.

However, they finally got their reward in the second period of extra-time with both Mitch Conning and Lewis Whyton on target for the Magna Dorset Premier League high-fliers.

Blues’ boss Chris Wilson said: “Credit to their players as they really did work their socks off.

“They had to as we saw a lot of the ball and had the better percentage of chances, especially towards the back end of the first half and the first 20 minutes of the second half.

“We could have done with scoring at that time as when you have such a great share of the game you are always worried that you might make a mistake which could cost you the game.

“We put them under a lot of pressure in the second half but we didn’t score and it went into extra-time.

“The pitch was rather heavy due to the rain the night before and there were some tired legs out there on both teams.

“We went for safety and went more direct and we got our reward in the end with Mitch scoring five minutes into the second period of extra-time and Lewis sealing it with a breakaway goal at the end.

“I have said before that in cup matches it comes down to who wants it most. They certainly put up a fight and made us work for the win but the extra quality we have told in the end.”

As a result of Saturday’s victory over Wareham, the Blues will now visit league rivals Poole Borough in the next round of the competition.

Wilson added: “It’s a game we feel we can win but you have to go there and earn it.”

Next up for United is this Saturday’s trip to Parley Sports.

Blues: Weeks, Dailey, Harris, Whyton, Carmichael, Skelton (Henley 100), Doidge, Reader, Smith (Carlile 75), Conning, Linaker (Toghill 60).