TADLEY CALLEVA 1

PORTLAND UNITED 1

PORTLAND United picked up a second point on their Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division travels this season, drawing 1-1 at Tadley Calleva.

The Blues’ youngsters continue to show signs of blossoming – this result coming after Tuesday’s cruel 2-1 stoppage-time loss to Hamworthy United.

Playing a fixture which involved a 200-mile round trip, Portland defended superbly with the experienced Sam Poole and Sam Buckler ably supported by Louis Hankin.

Portland had to find a way back from Josh Drew’s opening goal, his flicked header rocketing past away goalkeeper Steve Boore from a devilish inswinging corner.

Showing the same spirit displayed against Hamworthy, the islanders duly levelled when midfielder Ryan McKechnie nodded home expertly for a 1-1 scoreline at half-time.

After the break, promising midfielder Marcus Smith – playing his first 90 minutes for the Blues – fired narrowly off target.

Joel Hewitt and Oli Lowes also tried their luck but were unable to add a second for the visitors.

Tadley did apply late pressure but the Portland defence held firm to seal a creditable point on the road.

After picking up his fourth point in four games as boss, Franklyn Clarke expressed his delight at the result, which consolidates Portland’s 18th position.

He told Echosport: “I’m really happy – if we pick up a point in most of our away games I’ll be really happy.

“It was another solid defensive display by the whole team. We defended from the front but the three centre-halves were unbelievable.

“We’re getting better going forward in terms of quality, so it’s coming together nicely.”

He added: “I think overall a draw was a fair result.

“For our lads to do that on Tuesday night against Hamworthy, go toe-to-toe with them for 90 minutes, and then to put in another performance like that away from home, I’m made up with them.

“It’s a good week. The performance rather than the result on Tuesday and then the performance and result today. Good progress is being made.”

Blues: Boore, Coombs, Hutchinson (Hanratty 65), S Buckler, Poole, Hankin, Williams, McKechnie, Hewitt, Lowes, Smith. Subs not used: Clarke, Lucas.