ALRESFORD TOWN 0

PORTLAND UNITED 2

Symes 36, Watts 37

A QUICK-FIRE double from Jamie Symes and Darren Watts saw Portland United to a comfortable 2-0 win at Alresford Town in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division.

The goals, in the 36th and 37th minutes, reflected the Blues’ dominance, against a side that struggled more as the match went on.

The two sides held each other at bay until Alresford handed Portland a gift from the penalty spot after 36 minutes.

A free-kick was swung in, cleared, put back into the box, Lewis Whyton claimed the header and passed towards Alex Godfrey, who was taken down by ex-Portland goalkeeper Jordan Tewkesbury.

Symes then stepped up from the spot to hand the Blues the lead.

A minute later, and it was two for the Blues.

A ball over the top allowed Symes to chase the ball down, but Tewkesbury’s kick only fell to Watts, who beat a defender before rounding the Alresford goalkeeper to slot in.

The Blues were in control and took a 2-0 half-time lead.

The second half saw Alresford scarcely threaten, with Michael Edgar having no saves to make in the Portland goal during the last 45 minutes.

With five minutes to go Portland had another from the spot, only this time Godfrey fired it over the bar.

It came about through an off-the-ball incident, in which Tom Richardson was kicked, the referee then awarded the penalty, and Richardson sent the ball over the bar.

There were other chances for the Blues, with Max Buckler putting the ball over the bar from close range after a brilliant seven-man move.

Richardson also provoked a great save from Tewkesbury after a Crit Clarke cross in but the Blues were unable to further add to their tally.

King said: “I’m really pleased. It was a massive, massive performance from us.

“We were up against it a bit. We had players out suspended, injuries, unavailabilities. We had Sam Clarke come and help us out who hasn’t played since September and on a different level to a man we were really good. It was a really professional away performance, it could have been a lot more. We missed some chances but a win away from home, missing a penalty and keeping 11 men on the pitch was fantastic.”

Commenting on Sam Clarke’s performance: “He was outstanding for us.

“He was colossal at the back.”

Portland host Horndean on Tuesday for their Sydenhams Wessex Football League Cup semi-final (7.45pm).

Alresford Town: Tewkesbury, Hibberd, Doswell, Dempsey, Pearson, Nicholls (Rae 60), Russell (Stares 65), Mason, Burt, Whitely (Farrelly 65), Hall. Subs not used: Augustus, Sayers

Portland: Edgar, Doidge, C Clarke (E Roche 80), Halloran, Whyton, S Clarke, Richardson, M Buckler, Symes (S Roche 78), Watts, Godfrey Subs not used: Stewart