HAMWORTHY UNITED 2

PORTLAND UNITED 2

PORTLAND United boss Gary Bailey admitted he felt like it was “two points dropped” after his side threw away a two-goal cushion against Hamworthy United at the County Ground.

A goal in rapid time from winger Ed Bastick put the island side in the box seat and Tom Richardson doubled their advantage shortly after the interval.

But the Hammers hit back and capitalised on a makeshift Blues’ backline and struck twice in the final 15 minutes to grab a point.

The Blues, playing in white on the night, were forced to change their defensive plans prior to kick off as centre-half Ross Carmichael, who had travelled with the squad, could not play a part due to a chest infection.

That was not to worry Bailey’s side at the other end however, as they took the lead after just 90 seconds of the contest.

A throw-in from the left was flicked on and up popped Bastick to slot home what was a goal of real simplicity for the visitors.

Options at the back were then stretched even further for the away side when, on 21 minutes, a moment manager Bailey described as a “laughable situation” in his post-match comments then ensued.

A mix up between Shaun Bessant and Darren Watts meant they both challenged each other for the same ball, despite being on the same side.

Bessant then had to limp off having looked to have jarred his knee in the tackle, meaning Alex Godfrey came off the bench.

Then, just two minutes later, the Hammers signalled their intent.

A slick move culminated with Steve Smith striking a fierce effort across goal, which rattled the far post with Portland keeper Ashley Weeks beaten.

But the Blues could have and possibly should have been two up before the break, as a huge opportunity went begging.

Midfielder Alex Halloran pounced on a defensive mistake from the hosts and ran in on goal, only to be denied at the near post by an almost point-blank save from goalkeeper Tommy Scott.

The Hammers then rattled the woodwork again with a superb effort from long range seven minutes into the second period, but three minutes later, Portland made it 2-0.

A menacing delivery from winger Jamie Beasley was stabbed home at the back post by Richardson – a goal which probably should have sealed it.

But Hamworthy kept knocking on the door in search of a response.

A free-kick played forward found substitute Ben Satterley, who had only just come off the bench, and he drew a strong save from Weeks.

The home side also had a goal chalked off for offside but, at the other end, Portland frontman Carl McClements should have wrapped things up at 3-0 seconds after replacing Beasley.

He ran on to a ball from deep and was thwarted by Scott in a one-on-one situation.

And the Blues were made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal.

A fizzing strike on the angle was drilled home 15 minutes from time and just four minutes later, striker Smith waltzed through a static Portland backline and confidently finished to grab his side a point.

Bailey told Echosport: “It’s two points dropped, I think.

“From being 2-0 up and in reasonable control, chances were missed again and that’s my biggest bug bear from the game.

“We had chances in the first half at 1-0 and at 2-0 in the second half to put the game to bed and they were good chances as well. We missed opportunities to kill it off.

“We are a bit disappointed with the goals we let in but it’s the missed chances that were costly.”

Blues: Weeks, Smith, McKechnie, M Buckler, Bessant (Godfrey 21), Watts, Doidge, Halloran, Richardson, Bastick, Beasley (McClements 69). Subs not used: Lillington, Whyton, Carmichael.