PORTLAND put in a strong second half display to overcome Cowes 3-1 in their Sydenhams Wessex Premier League fixture.

Goals from Maxwell Buckler, Ryan McKechnie and Luke King sealed the turnaround to ensure Portland made it three wins from their last three matches.

It was a wet and windy day at the Weyline Stadium as Brendon King made a number of changes to his squad.

Shaun Bessant, Sean Stewart and Luke King all started, with Alex Godfrey and Jamie Beasley also returning to the starting line-up.

However, things didn’t quite go to plan for the Blues, and Cowes took the lead through Gareth Bricknell.

King was forced into a first half substitution as Sean Stewart went off injured, being replaced by Josh Williams.

Portland came into the game in the second half, as Maxwell Buckler pulled his side level in the 60th minute. Buckler latched on to a ball from Bailey Rowe before slotting the ball past the Cowes goalkeeper.

Five minutes later and Ryan McKechnie put Portland in front. The midfielder met a cross with a perfect header to score the goal which made the score 2-1.

After 75 minutes, Luke King sealed the three points for The Blues. A corner was taken short and crossed in. The ball was flicked on and King, up from the back, headed the ball freely to put the game beyond doubt.

Portland assistant manager, Mark Carter, told Echosport: “We’ve put a run of results together now which is pleasing.

“Today’s conditions were very tough. The wind was so strong going to one end, but we managed to limit their chances.

“At the moment it’s momentum and consistency that we’re striving for. Our squad rotation is giving everybody minutes, so the win was pleasing for us.”

Portland changed formation after going 1-0 down, putting Eder Batista up-front. Mark said this was to help his side “get at” Cowes and create more chances.

Mark also praised the character of his squad, saying: “We obviously weren’t happy after Tuesday night’s performance.

“We were disappointed coming in at half time today having not had a couple of chances, but we knew we’d have chances in the second half.”

“We’ve assembled a great squad. They’ve got great team spirit and work for each other really hard.

“It’s about being professional and trying to get the right results week in week out.”

Portland next match is away to Hamworthy in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier League fixture.