ALDERHOLT 1

PORTLAND TOWN 2

PORTLAND Town shrugged off a five-week gap between games to beat Alderholt 2-1 away in Dorset League Division One.

Alderholt lined up with a full strength side for the first time this season as they included Elliot Cromarty and Ollie Davies for the first time.

And it was Cromarty who opened up Town within 90 seconds as his 30-yard pass dissected the defence and Joshua Cane proceeded to brush off Ross Pettitt and slot home.

It was this combination that threatened again, Town keeper Chris Theakstone proving sharp to parry away.

READ MORE: Portland Town 4-2 Upwey & Broadwey - match report

Town tweaked their positions slightly on 15 minutes and gained a foothold in the game, Will Sonner now smothering the midfield threat and George Christopher higher up the pitch.

Gaz Harvey had the first opportunity just after but chipped tamely into the imposing Kev Witt's arms.

However, the wide man was not to be denied as a speculative 25-yard strike looped over Witt to level up.

On a soft pitch, the teams battled away until half-time but Alderholt came out in the second period revitalised with Davies causing problems, Town barely containing him at times.

The early spritz was taken away from the hosts as the reliable duo of Christopher and Kev Paice combined from a set-piece for the latter to dominantly head home from 12 yards.

Harvey had two chances to extend the lead after this, first seeing a near-post shot deflected over then running clear after killing a lovely Ash Owens pass dead, on this occasion though Harvey drove hard and high when a little composure was needed.

The misses looked like they were going to be key but Theakstone in the Town goal looked unbeatable, slide tackling Davies and then producing a brilliant double save before Pettitt stabbed off the line as the visitors went to war in the closing stages.

In the end, Town held on for three points as they continued their chase of league leaders Bournemouth Electric.

Town take on Blandford United Reserves at Budmouth today (2pm).

Town: Theakstone, Paul (Owens), Pettitt, Rogers, Townley, Sonner, Christopher (Clifford), Lambert, Paice, Harvey, Allison (Cherry).

DNA Cleaning Solutions man of the match: Chris Theakstone.