HORNDEAN 1

Lis 30

PORTLAND UNITED 2

Watts 20, McKechnie 40

PORTLAND United showed their steely side to survive a spell of late pressure from high-flying Horndean and leapfrog their opponents in the upper reaches of the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division.

Brendon King’s men took the lead when Alex Godfrey’s free-kick was headed on by Jamie Symes to Darren Watts, who bravely nodded in before being clattered by Horndean’s goalkeeper.

The Deans equalised when Portland failed to clear their lines in the box, the ball ricocheting to Alfie Lis, who slammed home from six yards.

Portland then scored what proved to be the decisive goal 10 minutes later when Ryan McKechnie latched onto Shaun Bessant’s fine pass before nudging past the keeper and slotting home into the open goal.

After half-time, Horndean were reduced to 10 men and upped the attacking ante to mount serious pressure on the Blues during the final half an hour.

Max Buckler and McKechnie both wasted chances as Portland’s play deteriorated. Horndean subsequently grew in confidence but could not find a way past a stern visiting defence.

Both sides ended the game with 10 men, Portland’s Sam Buckler seeing red late on after picking up two yellow cards but the Blues held on to secure all three points.

Speaking to Echosport after the game, King was pleased with how his defence held up under severe pressure.

He said: “We probably won the game in the first 60 minutes because the last half an hour we weren’t great. We had to do a lot of defending and they were down to 10 men at that point.

“Give them a lot of credit, they threw caution to the wind. They maybe deserved to get something out of it at the end, but we defended very well.

“It’s a tough place to go, they’re a decent side so to come away with three points we’re really pleased.

“They pushed and pushed and pushed and it was pleasing to see the way we defended with numbers and getting bodies in the way.

“Although we’re really happy with the win, we’re a bit disappointed with the last half hour.”

On Buckler’s red, he added: “The first one everyone thought was a really good challenge. The referee’s seen otherwise. The second one, no question about it, it’s a yellow card. He’s probably a bit naive to be diving in where he did.”

Portland: Lillington, Bessant, C Clarke, Doidge, Whyton, S Buckler, McKechnie, M Buckler, Symes, Watts (Bastick 30), Godfrey (Butcher 85). Sub not used: Tewkesbury

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