PORTLAND UTD 4 HYTHE & DIBDEN 2

PORTLAND United ended pre-season on a confident high with a 4-2 victory at Hythe & Dibden, ahead of the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division which starts on Saturday.

The Blues boasted two new signings, with Ben Morris and Josh Williams signing on dual-registration from Dorchester.

The hosts scored early on through Morris, who cut in from the right after a great run and fired in with his left foot after 20 minutes.

Jamie Symes then missed a penalty after 30 minutes, and, as a result, Portland went in a goal to the good at the break.

Hythe had their chances in the first half, but saw one blocked and a good save from Portland goalkeeper Steve Boore.

In the second half, Hythe were able to equalise early on inside the first five minutes.

Tthe Blues then responded via another penalty, with Ryan McKechnie tucking the ball away following a handball inside the box from a Sol Roche cross.

Another spot-kick was then tucked away by Eder Batista as the Blues took a 3-1 lead.

Hythe then narrowed the score again, before Bailey Rowe dispossessed a defender, before squaring it for Mo Hereka to tap in to finish the match.

Portland: Boore, McKechnie (Bastick 70), Bessant, King, Hutchinson, Williams, Stewart (Godfrey 60), Beasley (S Roche 46), Morris (Hereka 70), Symes (Rowe 70), Batista (Halloran 60)