PORTLAND TOWN 2

LYME REGIS RES 0

PORTLAND Town ushered in a new era under boss Justin Faulkner with a 2-0 victory to send the hosts into round three of the Dorset Intermediate Cup at Milborne St Andrew.

Town showed their intent early on as Rory Zima’s left-footed strike was well saved by the visiting goalkeeper.

The home team did open the scoring when a slick move was finished off by Greg Borthwick following a sumptuous cross from Colin Upfold. Things could have got even better for Town moments later as Liam Parsons’ half-volley from outside the area cannoned off the crossbar to safety.

Borthwick was in the thick of it again, this time his fierce drive was well saved by the away goalkeeper, after being played in by Zima.

Danny Clifford replaced Upfold for the second half and it was not long before he got himself in on the action, hitting the post from a tight angle.

Zima had another chance but his tame shot went straight at the keeper. However, Town did wrap the tie up 10 minutes from time as Parsons’ run from midfield allowed him to square for Clifford to score from close range.

Lyme pressed in the closing stages but Town held firm to reach the third round draw.

Reflecting, Faulkner said: “The first game has been a long time coming, me and Dave (Adkins) took over nearly a month ago – to finally get going feels good.

“We knew Lyme would be tough and so it proved, at times it was a battle but I thought we played well in patches as the players tried to adapt to what we are trying to implement.

“We’ve scored two good goals, hit the bar and post twice plus we’ve had some real gilt-edged chances we didn’t capitalise on.

“I can’t remember our keeper being called upon to make any saves, so from that point of view I think we deserved the victory. I am also pleased to keep a clean sheet, something we have not managed to do this season until now.”

Faulkner added: “The players took on board the way we want to play, I saw some good things and others I don’t really want to see again but it is early days.

“I think the players are buying in to what we are trying to do, training has been positive and we have taken that into the game. But now we need to turn our attention to the league where we need to start putting some points on the board.”

Town: Cowne, Hearn, Pettitt, Dunlop, Higgins, Macconnachie, Upfold, Richards, Borthwick, Parsons, R Zima. Subs: Clifford, Course, Prudames. Sub not used: Gavin.