PORTLAND UNITED 1

Clarke 6

BASHLEY 2

McGrath 22, Morgan 88

PORTLAND United saw a point pinched away by Bashley late in their Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division curtain-raiser at the Weyline Stadium.

Bash star Harry McGrath had cancelled out Sam Clarke’s early opener for the Blues, and honours were even until Harry Morgan calmly slotted home past Josh Lucas.

Bashley were good value for their win with Portland failing to muster a shot in the second half.

The result marked a disappointing week for the Blues after their departure in the FA Cup following a 1-0 defeat to Clevedon on Tuesday.

Prior to kick-off, there was an impeccably served minute’s silence for ex-Dorset Echo sports editor Nigel Dean, who passed away last week.

A positive response to the Clevedon loss looked forthcoming as Portland took the lead.

Ben Morris rifled in what proved to be one of Portland’s few shots of the game, forcing a good save from keeper Harry Gravett, who tipped over.

Seconds later Portland were in front as Ryan McKechnie headed across goal from the corner, allowing Clarke to bundle in over the line in the sixth minute.

Bashley were behind for just 16 minutes when McGrath leapt to despatch Harry Bunce’s dangerous cross beyond Lucas for 1-1.

As both sides dug in, Bashley began to dominate deep into the second half as sub Cameron Beard was twice denied – first by a solid Lucas stop before hitting the post moments later.

Fortuitously, Bashley claimed all three points in the 88th minute as Morgan’s initial blocked shot fell perfectly back to him to slide in a composed effort past Lucas and break Blues’ hearts.

Speaking to Echosport, Portland boss Brooks was hugely disappointed by Portland’s lack of attacking thrust.

He said: “On reflection I felt they shaded it and looked the more dangerous – certainly the more likely to go and win the game.

“It was late and it’s never a great way to lose. They were better than us and we’ve got work to do.

“They were more dynamic with their movement and carved out more chances than us. We didn’t have a shot at goal in the second half.

“To not create a chance – we need to do more with the ball, without a doubt.

“What disappoints me is that we never took advantage and capitalised on the early lead we had.

“The way we started, you’re thinking ‘we should’ve smelled blood there’.

“I don’t think we’re at a level or stage at the moment where we’re going to do that.”

Portland visit Brockenhurst tomorrow (7.45pm).

Blues: Lucas, McKechnie, Hutchinson, Halloran, Buckler, Clarke (Godfrey 55), Morris (Howell 80), Williams, Whyton, Panesar-Dower, Beasley. Sub not used: Coombs

Attendance: 149

Match sponsors: Portland Old Boys

Match ball and programme sponsor: Tony Babb

Man of the match: Josh Lucas

Man of the match sponsor: Hilary Billimore

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830999

e: neil.walton

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @EchoSportNeil