AFC PORTCHESTER 4

PORTLAND UNITED 1

AFC PORTCHESTER’s march towards the Wessex League Premier Division title continued with a 4-1 victory over Portland United at the OnSite Group Stadium.

The scoreline flattered the hosts, who were given a thorough test by a stubborn and much-improved Portland after their disappointing 1-0 loss to Poppies on Tuesday.

Portchy’s triumph gives them a six-point buffer to second-placed AFC Stoneham with a game in hand.

Portland keeper Mike Edgar repelled ex-Bournemouth striker Brett Pitman’s header just 34 seconds in as the Blues were nearly caught napping from the first whistle.

READ MORE: Bournemouth Poppies 1-0 Portland United - report

But Kyle Critchell’s men had unveiled Dorchester Town Under-23s midfielder Jack Delves as their newest signing before kick-off and the former Dorchester Sports man duly made his mark.

Just eight minutes in, Delves was found on the edge of the area by Bailey Rowe before lashing a crunching finish past keeper Steven Mowthorpe.

Portchy levelled ten minutes later when Marley Ridge fired low past Edgar from 25 yards but Portland responded when Brin Doyle guided a volley just off target.

Play was paused on the half-hour mark while Portchester’s Elliot Wheeler was tended to for what appeared to be a serious injury, the defender eventually stretchered off.

Portchy had one final chance in the half, Conor Bailey firing just wide of goal, but the hosts only had a few seconds to wait for 2-1 after the resumption.

Their second came when George Barker played a one-two with Pitman before sending a crisp shot low past Edgar.

Portland were unfazed as Marcus Smith and Liam Sayers both forced Mowthorpe into good saves in reply.

However, Barker grabbed a third to capitalise on good work from Ridge and Pitman added his 43rd goal of the season in the 94th minute to inflict a harsher defeat than the Blues deserved.

Speaking to Echosport, Critchell voiced his pride in Portland’s display.

“It definitely wasn’t a 4-1 result,” he insisted.

“We battled and took the lead early, It was just those key moments that have cost us.

“You can see why they’re top of the league because they’re clinical when they do get those opportunities. That was the difference between the two sides.”

Portland are next in action at home to Hythe & Dibden on Saturday (3pm).

Blues: Edgar, Harvey, Stuttle, M Smith, Callow, Bessant, Doyle (Thomas 88), Delves (Scott 85), Rowe, McKechnie, Sayers (Borthwick 71). Subs not used: Diaz, Pritchard.

Attendance: 309