BLACKFIELD & LANGLEY 2

PORTLAND UNITED 0

PORTLAND United lost their final game under interim management as Blackfield & Langley claimed a 2-0 victory in their Wessex League Premier Division encounter at the Gang Warily.

Victory for the Watersiders brings them within a point of Portland, who remain 15th going into a new era under boss Kyle Critchell and assistant Jamie Symes.

The duo were in attendance at the ground before they plan two training sessions in the coming week going into a home meeting with AFC Stoneham on Saturday.

That meant interim duo Reggie Carter and Andy Mallet remained on the touchline, looking to build on the stunning 1-0 win at Moneyfields last time out.

READ MORE: Kyle Critchell explains Portland United manager move

After Portland’s Liam Sayers fired at keeper Jordi Valero, there were few other Blues chances in the first half.

Junior Kamara pulled a shot wide for Blackfield and Sayers hoisted an effort over the bar as both sides struggled to get going.

Blackfield’s opening goal jolted the game into life in the 34th minute when former Exeter City and Crawley Town striker Craig McAllister headed home Craig Stanley’s cross.

Sayers inflicted a nervy moment on Valero when stealing possession just before half-time, only for Ben Morris to place his shot just wide.

However, Portland found themselves 2-0 down in the 54th minute when McAllister bagged his second, profiting from a lung-bursting run and cross from Joe Merrett to head home.

Portland did mount late pressure to find a way back into the game but Blackfield survived shots from Brin Doyle and Connor Callow as the Blues were consigned to defeat.

Speaking to Portland’s media man Josh Barton, Carter said: “There was nothing between both sides. It comes down to concentration.

“We spoke about it and you get punished at this level. Craig McAllister’s scored both goals, full of experience, and he’s punished them for two errors.”

Critchell and Symes will now take the helm and Carter said it was time for the duo to work their ideas into Portland’s talented squad.

He said: “When new managers come in they implement their own ideas. It’s good for them to see (the Blackfield game) what they want to do with formations and players.

“Then we get them on the training field on Tuesday to work on their ideas.”

Blues: Edgar, Thomas, Diaz, Stuttle, Callow, M Smith (Cleaver 75), Williams, McKechnie, Sayers (Walbridge 61), Doyle, Morris (Borthwick 61). Subs not used: Lowes, Greenwood-Neate.

Attendance: 85