WAREHAM RANGERS RES 0

PORTLAND TOWN 1

PORTLAND Town made it six games unbeaten in Dorset League Division One but made hard work of their trip to the Purbecks, winning 1-0 at Wareham Rangers Reserves.

Lining up with surprise inclusion Owen Reed on the left, in for absent Callum Allison, they had a great chance straight from kick-off.

A defence-splitting ball from George Christopher set Reed free but the wide man could not sort his feet out and the chance went awry.

It was constant pressure from the visitors, Danny Clifford crossed for Christopher but he stabbed over while Kyle Critchell was rebuffed by Bennett in the home goal after good work from Will Sonner.

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Eventually the breakthrough did come for the islanders as Gary Harvey was upended just short of the box and Christopher stepped home to lash home the free-kick from 20 yards.

Efforts from distance were all that kept Chris Theakstone busy in the travelling goal and he was secure throughout.

As the half wore on Sonner was clean through only to be pulled back for an earlier offence by Wareham on 35 minutes, Christopher this time blazed over the set-piece.

Clear chances were at a premium on a small, bog of a pitch but Portland had the best of it and it was Joe Watters who had the clearest opportunity but his effort when one-on-one was turned onto the post.

The second half was a scrappy affair but again Town were the better side as a far-post header from Watters was somehow cleared off the line after a sublime Critchell cross.

Reed also proved wasteful in a similar position when bearing in on goal.

Wareham did have moments but rarely threatened and ultimately the three points should have been more comfortable for Town had they finished their chances.

Town break now until Saturday, January 8 for the Christmas holidays right on the shoulders of the early season pacesetters Bournemouth Electric.

Town’s first match in 2022 is yet to be revealed but Portland will hope they can keep up the pressure in the New Year.

Town: Theakstone; Owens, Pettitt, Attree, Rogers, Sonner, Critchell, Christopher (Taylor), Reed (Watters), Clifford (Lambert), Harvey (Paice).

Vanworx man of the match: Charlie Rogers.