PORTLAND UNITED 6

COWES SPORTS 0

PORTLAND United bounced back from last week’s draw with a stunning 6-0 victory at home to Cowes Sports.

The Blues took the lead on 16 minutes after Alex Halloran burst into the box, only to be impeded by the defender leading to a penalty which was thumped home by Ross Doidge.

Alex Godfrey doubled the lead in the first half as the Blues intercepted a passage of play by Cowes which led to the striker slotting home past the keeper.

The second period was a lot more one-sided as a contest, with Darren Watts deciding the game with a strike into the top corner from 18 yards securing the game, before further strikes from Ryan McKechnie, Tom Richardson and another strike from Watts wrapped things up in convincing style.

Portland didn’t have things all their own way as Cowes created chances, most notably in the second half when goalkeeper Sean Lillington denied them a consolation goal with an excellent stop.

Speaking after the game, Portland United manager Gary Bailey praised his squad after a difficult month.

He said: “I could tell the lads were in good spirits.

“There was a buzz around the dressing room again.

“We were comfortable at 2-0, but at half-time we knew the next goal was going to be crucial. We always felt that if we got the third we would go on and win the game comfortably and that’s how it panned out.

“But we had to work hard for it. Cowes were resilient and stopped us from playing in the first half. They got men behind the ball, and our passing game wasn’t quite on it. It was just a little bit scruffy at times, but once the third goal went in we relaxed and went on to win the game comfortably.”

The victory sees the Blues extend their unbeaten run throughout a jam-packed fixture list, and the manager was keen to praise the fans for their support during the season so far.

He said: “March was a tough month for us with lots of games on the road, so it was nice to be back at home in front of our own fans and on our own pitch. The boys really enjoy playing here.

“Our support this season has been really good, and it’s something that the players appreciate, and they like playing at home because it’s nice to play in front of a nice group of supporters. They’ve been terrific at turning up in their numbers.”

Blues: Lillington, Bessant (Smith 60), Whyton, Carmichael, C Clarke, Halloran (Richardson 65), Buckler, Watts, McKechnie, Godfrey (L Clarke 65), Doidge

Attendance: 166

Man of the Match, Match Ball and Programme Sponsors: The Chip Shop Boys