PORTLAND TOWN 5

BOSCOMBE POLONIA 4

PORTLAND Town started the season with a pulsating 5-4 win over Boscombe Polonia in Dorset League Division One.

Starting uncharacteristically nervously, Town rushed their game, bypassing the midfield and playing into Boscombe’s hands.

Neither team looked confident on the ball and a turnover in possession let Polonia in for the opener after Chris Stones saved the first effort.

The Poles side were full of confidence and got their second on 20 minutes with Leon Attree giving the ball away and Lukasz Odzimkowski finishing the move.

Town, who had been stellar in their six pre-season games, got themselves back into it when Joe Shanks crossed for Rob Townley to thunder a fine header in off the bar. It was nearly 2-2 soon after as Kieren Pinhey struck the post after great work from Will Sonner.

The reprieve was shortlived as another slip at the back let in the impressive Maciej Szczurzydlo who rifled into the top corner from 18 yards.

Half-time subs Danny Clifford and Ash Owens entered the fray to transform their side for the next 30 minutes, laying siege to Polonia’s box.

Nick Paul crossed for Attree, who came close with a header which flashed across the box.

Town’s second goal was coming and Danny Clifford chipped the keeper after being put through and Joe Watters got the final touch. Five minutes later it was 3-3 as Ash Owens crossed for Sonner to stab home at the far post.

Watters then unselfishly fed skipper Townley to chip home from 20 yards as Town completed a stupendous comeback for 4-3.

With 20 minutes to go the win looked to be sealed when Gary Harvey beat the keeper to Watters’ pass for 5-3.

Town had chances to add to their tally, Clifford blazing over and Sonner seeing an effort saved.

But back came Polonia, a ball out to Owens from Stones left the midfielder in all sorts of trouble and Szczurzydlo nicked the ball before ramming the ball back past Stones.

A flurry of late free-kicks and corners saw Town defend stoutly with Andy Jones and Nick Paul prominent.

A breakaway with a minute go almost added gloss to the result though, Attree releasing Owen Reed and the youngster elected to shoot with two players supporting him, his shot grazing the post in a thrilling contest.

Town: Stones, Paul, Shanks, Attree, Jones, Townley, Sonner, Harvey, Reed, Watters, Pinhey. Subs used: Clifford, Owens. Sub not used: Weir.

Man of the match: Will Sonner