PORTLAND UNITED 3

BASHLEY 1

PORTLAND United boss Gary Bailey was happy to see his side dig in to earn a big victory over Bashley at Grove Corner.

In front of a healthy crowd of 222, the island outfit managed to grind out another good result to stay third in the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division, and remain 11 points behind leaders Moneyfields with two league games in hand.

Focusing on the weekend display, Bailey told Echosport: “It wasn’t our best performance if I am being overly critical but we have been spoilt over the last two or three weeks – we have been spectacularly good.

“You can’t be spectacular every week and sometimes it’s a case of being dogged, getting your sleeves rolled up and doing enough to win.”

He added: “It was a dogged, workmanlike performance on Saturday.

“They made it tough for us and it was a game we had to earn. There were lots of midfield battles with both teams turning possession over.”

Having enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the opening exchanges, the island outfit took the lead on 20 minutes in freak circumstances.

Alex Halloran’s in-swinging corner drifted on the wind and ended up in the back of the net, after the Bash keeper was blocked off by one of his own defenders and failed to claim the delivery.

Lewis Clarke then could not convert when running in one-on-one for the hosts but chances continued to come the way of the Blues, who went in at the break a goal up.

Bashley dominated the opening five minutes of the second period but Bailey’s side then hit them on the counter.

Clarke found Godfrey, who ran in and slotted the ball into the net for 2-0 on 50 minutes.

Bash’s bid to battle back was then thwarted by Jordan Mullis in the Blues’ goal, who pulled off a couple of smart saves.

But there was nothing the Dorchester Town number two, who is on dual-registration as cover for Portland at present, could do to stop the visitors pulling a goal back 10 minutes from time.

The Blues were caught on the counter and an effort from range on the angle again moved on the breeze and ended up dropping into the net.

But, in what could have been a nervy finale for the islanders, they showcased their class from the bench.

Returning from suspension, up popped substitute Jamie Beasley to beat his man and drive the ball into the bottom corner, wrapping the game up at 3-1.

“It was a pleasing result and with 222 people there, it was fantastic,” Bailey added.

Blues: Mullis, Doidge, Whyton, Bessant, C Clarke, Halloran, Watts (Bastick 65), Buckler (Smith 75), McKechnie, Godfrey, L Clarke (Beasley 65). Sub not used: Carmichael

Attendance: 222

Match ball sponsors: Randle & Jayne Gates

Programme sponsor: Café Oasis – Paul Cocks