PORTLAND TOWN 2

WOOL UNITED 1

PORTLAND Town made it 10 games unbeaten as they battled to a 2-1 victory against a spirited Wool United in Dorset League Division One.

With the wind playing havoc at Milborne Sports Ground, Town’s forwards struggled to get hold of any passes coming their way.

However, the hosts led after six minutes when Tom Cherry wriggled through and looked to be clipped but a corner was given.

Callum Allison whipped in the set piece and Leon Attree rose in uncompromising fashion to head home.

Town came close to extending the lead when Danny Clifford, Gaz Harvey and Cherry all saw efforts blocked by a desperate Wool defence.

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That was as good as it got after this as the wind caused them real issues and Wool took control, although they were repelled by new signing Mark Lambert who was thrown straight in at left-back.

Despite their control they never really created a chance that would trouble home keeper Rob Townley, who was forced to don the gloves after injury ruled out Chris Theakstone and illness prevented Dan Quinault starting.

However, Townley could do nothing about Wool’s equaliser, which came from a moment of rashness.

Nick Paul lunged in and brought down Jack Hughes with Dan Smiley slotted home the resulting penalty.

Portland settled after half-time and just before the hour another set-piece proved fruitful for the hosts.

Steve Lambert’s corner was well defended but the midfielder whipped another ball in which Charlie Rogers latched onto and swept home for his first goal of the season.

Town had chances to finish it off, Joe Watters outmuscling Wool centre-back Robert Lovelass before firing goalward but a retreating defender headed off the line.

Paice then crossed for Harvey but the normally reliable playmaker missed the ball completely as the goal gaped, Mark Lambert’s deep ball shortly after also went unfinished.

Portland’s touchline team all hoped they would not be made to pay for their profligacy.

Although the game become a little tetchy, Townley was never tested and his handling remained impeccable although a couple of late corners had to be dealt with which the defence did very effectively to see out the game and preserve the islanders’ unbeaten run.

Next up for the islanders is a trip to Days Park to play Swanage Town & Herston Reserves on Saturday (3pm).

Town: Townley; Paul, M Lambert, Attree, Rogers, Sonner (Christopher), Clifford (Paice), S Lambert, Cherry (Watters), Allison, Harvey. Sub not used: Pettitt.

Dorset Showhomes man of the match: Rob Townley