BASHLEY 2

PORTLAND UNITED 1

PORTLAND United had a 1-0 lead overturned as Bashley claimed a 2-1 victory in the Wessex League Premier Division.

Troy Walbridge and Ben Morris went close early on for Portland before the Blues made the breakthrough.

Sam Poole headed a set-piece back across goal and there was Ryan McKechnie to head home his sixth goal of the season.

Bashley equalised in fortuitous circumstances as a falling River Smith guided a finish into the net on the stroke of half-time.

Portland looked set for a point until Lewis Aimson lost his marker to head the winner, six minutes from time.

Blues’ boss Franklyn Clarke told Echosport: “I’m gutted, a hard one to take. We should’ve won the game. We were the better team, especially first half.

READ MORE: Portland United 1-1 Christchurch - match report

“Second half I’d still say we edged it. I’m really proud of the lads for that performance. Just gutted for them that they couldn’t go on to win it.

“When you concede at 45 minutes and 84th minute – they’re terrible times to concede. That’s where we are. Yes, it’s a tough loss but it’s learning lessons at the moment.”

Blues: Edgar, Thomas, Poole, Griffiths, Hutchinson, Smith (Weedon 80), McKechnie, Williams, Burrows (Lowes 55), Morris, Walbridge (Borthwick 70). Sub not used: Hewitt.

Attendance: 147