PORTLAND UNITED 2

US PORTSMOUTH 1

PORTLAND United claimed their 10th Velocity Wessex League Premier Division win of the season with a 2-1 success over struggling United Services Portsmouth.

Kyle Critchell’s Blues once again showed their prowess at home and their margin of victory should have been greater were it not for wasteful second-half finishing.

Instead, the final stages were nervier than they should have been but, in the end, Portland took the three points to consolidate seventh position.

Connor Bent, proving to be an excellent addition from Weymouth Under-23s, put the islanders 1-0 up at half-time.

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And Bent’s fellow new forward Aidan Shepherd grabbed his first Portland goal in the 48th minute.

However, US rallied to halve the deficit soon afterwards through Josh Bailey, who pounced on a loose ball when Portland failed to clear Nathan Clements’ corner.

Then came a catalogue of Portland missed chances as the Blues hit the woodwork three times in their quest for 3-1.

Shepherd missed two one-on-ones, hitting the post with one chance and bypassing the target with another.

Brin Doyle smashed a shot against the bar and Joe Wickham then rattled the post as the third goal proved elusive.

There was no damage done overall, though, as Portland closed out the match to book their eighth home league victory of the season.

Speaking to Echosport, Critchell said: “We had quite a lot of opportunities to make the scoreline healthier. We counted it as six really good goalscoring opportunities.

“So, a little bit disappointing in that side of things but overall, from a perspective of momentum and moving forward, it was a good result.”

He added: “It was a good performance. We started very slowly in the first 15 minutes and actually they grew in confidence.

“After that, it was quite a dominant display. We’re quite disappointed the scoreline isn’t bigger.

“We probably lacked a bit of ruthlessness but it was good to see our newest acquisitions scoring, so lots to be positive about.”

With the score locked at 2-1 for 36 minutes of the second half, Critchell played down any hint of nerves, insisting his side had the game under control.

“We didn’t look like conceding,” he said. “What’s more frustrating is that we just didn’t put the game to bed.

“That’s just down to being clinical. Aidan grabbed a goal but could’ve scored more on another day.

“We’re just over the moon with three points and it keeps the momentum going.”

Portland are next in action at Lymington Town on Saturday (3pm).

Blues: Bruton, Bessant, Stuttle, Williams, Gadsby, Callow, Wickham, Coombs, Shepherd, Doyle, Bent. Subs: Symes, Harvey, Scott, Woolford, J Lucas.

Attendance: 162.