PORTLAND UNITED OLD BOYS 3 EASTON UNITED 1

PORTLAND United Veterans rolled back the years with a vintage performance against a much youn-ger Easton United.

The hosts dominated possession in the first half and their experience was a major factor.

Pete Conning finally broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark with a speculative 25-yarder that Easton player-manager Chris Wilson could not hold and it slipped through his grasp into the back of the net.

James Reeve, Andy Mason, Mick Greeno and Nick Preston all showed flashes of their former selves, but it was Taffy Lewis who increased the lead with a wonderful lob over the advancing keeper, having been set up by current Blues' chairman Pete Turrell.

The Portland rearguard was rarely troubled and superbly marshalled by Darren Whyton and Andy Turrell.

Easton did exert a bit more pressure in the second period, as the veterans tired, and were thankful of some good work from keeper Martin Rutland.

But with 15 minutes to go, a scintillating six-man, one-touch move resulted in the evergreen Pat Reader blasting home from 10 yards.

The visitors kept battling though, and Rob Maxted scored a consolation goal with the last kick of the game.

Player-manager Nick Preston said: "It was a great day, and fantastic to see lots of old faces turn up who can still play a bit.

"We hope to make this an annual event as it proved so popular, so thanks to Easton and all the lads who played and made it a memorable day."