PORTLAND UNITED 3

AMESBURY TOWN 1

PORTLAND United returned to form with a convincing 3-1 home win over Amesbury Town in the Wessex League Premier Division.

Prior to the victory, Franklyn Clarke’s Blues had incredibly conceded exactly four goals in each of their past five matches.

But right from the first whistle the islanders set their stall out to change that narrative as Clarke himself was desperately unlucky not to score from the halfway line.

Clarke launched an audacious chip which had Amesbury keeper Henry Woodcock flailing, only for the ball to crash off the top of the bar.

Portland were not to be denied and deservedly got their goal when Oli Lowes skipped his way past the Amesbury defence before lashing a fierce finish into the top corner.

Two minutes later Lowes had his second with a guided finish into the bottom corner to put Portland in control.

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New signing Troy Walbridge forced Woodcock into a good save and the striker later hit the bar with a header.

Ben Morris also had a couple of chances in a frenetic first half – a pattern which continued into the second period.

Riley Weedon and Josh Williams both went close but Morris was closest to the elusive third, shooting inches wide of the woodwork.

In the end it was Amesbury who scored next, with Luke Greenway halving the deficit 25 minutes from time.

Harry Thomas made a goalline clearance as Amesbury rallied but Portland came forward in search of what would eventually prove to be the goal of the game.

Clarke was the protagonist again, crunching a scorching volley from 20 yards into the top corner to seal the three points.

Clarke told Echosport: “We just wanted to stop the rot and I knew from the first minutes of the game that we were going to do that.

“The intensity from us, the energy, winning tackles, first balls, second balls and when we were in possession we showed real quality.

“That was the difference. I’m really proud of the boys. I asked a question of them a few weeks ago, if they didn’t want to do it we’ll get other players who will.

“And the response has just been outstanding. When everything clicks we are a good side.”

Clarke gave a special mention to defender Harry Thomas, who made his return to the first team after suffering concussion in pre-season.

Clarke added: “Harry played as a right-sided centre-back, he’s 16. He was just outstanding. It just highlights the pathway.

“We’ve conceded a lot of goals in the past five games but we put the trust in him to put it right for us.

“Him playing next to Sam (Poole) allowed Sam to do what he does best in terms of winning first balls and big headers, knowing he’s got the pace of Harry next to him.

“He didn’t put a foot wrong and made a goalline clearance as well. I’m really proud of him.”

Portland host leaders Brockenhurst on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Blues: Edgar, Thomas, Hutchinson, Williams, Poole, Smith, Weedon (Hewitt 65), Lowes (Kelly 80), Walbridge, Morris, Clarke. Subs not used: Ryan, Frost.

Match ball sponsor: Tony Babb

Programme sponsor: Cafe Oasis

Attendance: 125