CHRISTCHURCH 3

Graham 5, Kirkham 20, Cherrett 90+4

PORTLAND UNITED 2

Clarke 7, Buckler 90+2

PORTLAND United conceded a 94th-minute winner to Christchurch having equalised in the 92nd minute of their dramatic 3-2 Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division loss to the Priory.

After an impressive 2-0 victory over Baffins Milton Rovers on Saturday, the Blues had high hopes of a repeat performance against a respected Christchurch side.

However, it was the Hurn Bridge side that took the lead against the run of play in the fifth minute when Kyle Graham lashed past Steve Boore with a rapid turn and shot.

Portland soaked up that early blow and swiftly levelled when Crit Clarke buried a header from an Alex Godfrey corner.

Blues’ striker Bailey Rowe was causing problems for the two Christchurch centre-halves but the visitors could not fashion any serious chances in the latter 25 minutes of the half.

Christchurch then robbed Portland of possession in their own half, enabling a swift break from which a cross was not cut out by the Blues’ defence with Josh Kirkham on hand to slam home from six yards.

A frank half-time team-talk failed to stir the Blues, who were limited to a single penalty shout with Jamie Symes appearing to be upended in the box.

Portland thought they had secured a late point when Max Buckler prodded home after a goalmouth scramble, but substitute Brett Cherrett poked past Boore after more pinball action as Christchurch secured the three points.

Portland boss Brendon King felt dismayed over his side’s below-par display.

“I’m disappointed in our performance more than anything,” he said.

“You get yourself back in the game in the 92nd minute and you should see it out when you’ve been behind all game and haven’t played particularly well.

“Then you concede a 94th-minute goal through lack of concentration. It’s quite hard to take.

“We weren’t happy with some of the things we were doing (on Tuesday) compared to what we have been in the last few weeks.

“We were a million miles away from where we have been and where we want to be.”

On the penalty controversy, King added: “We did have a good shout but to no avail. Jamie got brought down in the box.

“That was our only decent chance in the second half – it looked a stonewall penalty but the referee decided against it.”

Portland host Amesbury United at the Weyline Stadium in league action on Saturday (3pm).

Blues: Boore, McKechnie, L King, Symes, Clarke, Godfrey (Cox 65), Stewart, M Buckler, Williams (Halloran 75), Beasley, Rowe (S Roche 55)