PORTLAND UNITED 1

US PORTSMOUTH 0

PORTLAND United booked their place in the next round of the Isuzu FA Vase with a 1-0 win over US Portsmouth, despite going down to ten men.

Greg Borthwick’s goal proved to be the winner but the Blues were handed a dose of nerves in the second half when Josh Williams earned a second yellow.

But the islanders managed to see the game out and cement a second qualifying round trip to Step 6 side Wincanton on Saturday, September 23 (3pm).

Faced with numerous injuries and unavailabilities, boss Kyle Critchell felt compelled to start himself for the first time this season.

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In a brisk opening, goalmouth action flooded both ends as Portland’s Brin Doyle hit the side netting in the second minute before US gave the Blues a major scare, Cam Quirke’s effort smacking the bar.

Williams saw yellow on five minutes for kicking the ball away before Doyle swept over as Portland rallied.

Borthwick had Portland’s next three chances, bullying his way through before lashing wide and firing a second chance at Portsmouth keeper Logan O’Donnell.

His third was the best of the lot and drew a fantastic save from O’Donnell three minutes before the break.

Luke Sheehy fizzed an effort off target before the break but the RN gave a reminder of their threat on 47 minutes when Harrison Bruton was called on to make a pivotal save.

The visitors missed another big chance when Jimmy Walters grazed the post and they were punished when Borthwick put Portland ahead on 58 minutes, bustling through the defence and beating O’Donnell for 1-0.

With Portland now in the box seat, they lost momentum when Williams received a needless second yellow for preventing a free-kick for being taken quickly.

With 18 minutes to play, Critchell reacted by bringing off Hayden Scott for Jack Delves.

While adjusting to the change in shape, Portland kept the visitors at bay and even conjured two chances of their own as Doyle and Delves were denied.

Yet Portland wound the clock down expertly, despite seven added minutes, as Bruton was booked for time-wasting, but the hosts managed to avoid an equaliser and penalties to lock up £550 in prize money.

Speaking to Echosport, Critchell said: “I thought we started well, were on the front foot and really attacked US Portsmouth.

“It’s been really difficult having the volume of lads that we have unavailable. But I thought we were fantastic and with Josh being sent off we had to dig in deep and hold on.”

On Williams’ red card, Critchell did not hide his displeasure.

He added: “It was very naïve and he will learn from it. I’m bitterly disappointed he’s been sent off and put us in the situation he has.

“It’s something he’ll reflect upon and I know he will, he’s a smashing young man who always wants the best for the club, but that was unacceptable at a time when we were on top.”

Portland host Totton & Eling in the Velocity Wessex League Cup on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Blues: Bruton, Harvey, Callow, Williams, Gadsby, Critchell, Sheehy, McKechnie, Borthwick, Scott (Delves 74), Doyle (Diaz 90+7). Subs not used: Holloway, Steele.