PORTLAND UNITED 0

SHAFTESBURY 2

PORTLAND United’s Wessex League Premier season began with a 2-0 loss to a much-improved Shaftesbury at the Camp & Satherley Stadium.

The Rockies have brought in former Christchurch manager Ollie Cherrett and a host of talent, including ex-Merley star Asa Phillips and Swanage forward Cameron Beard.

Shaftesbury warmed to the task quicker than the Blues in the opening half, with home keeper Mike Edgar saving well from Brad Hill before Sam Poole blocked Luke Delaney’s follow-up.

But 10 minutes before the break the Rockies found an opener when former Dorchester midfielder Gary Bowles broke through and supplied Jamie Wilson to head home with aplomb.

Portland responded well in the second half as Ben Morris fired over and Poole headed at Shaftesbury custodian Alex Cull.

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Shaftesbury hit back with an intense spell of pressure as Phillips and Beard rolled dangerous crosses along the six-yard box.

Edgar saved well from Beard, who then nodded against the bar from ex-Dorchester striker Ash Pope’s cross, Edgar smothering Louis Kellaway’s rebound.

It was only a matter of time before Shaftesbury grabbed a second as the inspirational Beard found space for Phillips to lash past Edgar for 2-0.

Morris was snuffed out twice by the good defending of Bowles late on as Shaftesbury preserved their clean sheet.

Speaking to Echosport, Portland boss Franklyn Clarke credited Shaftesbury for a hard-earned three points.

He said: “They were well organised, hard to break down. We were ourselves, it was just two moments in the game which gave them opportunities.

“For half an hour we were solid, they just had a bit more experience and know-how. That’s where they edged it.

“Those two chances, they punished. We’re a young side so these things are going to happen.

“We’ll try not to dwell on them too much, keep doing the right things and we’ll get better.

“We’ve already got a lot better from where we were at last season. It’s small steps and we’re definitely going in the right direction.

“There’s lots of positives in there to work on moving forward.

“We’ll go away and work out how we’re going to create more chances but individually the lads played well.

“Shaftesbury are probably going to be right up there come the end of the season.

“Overall, I can’t over-analyse it, it’s just the first game.”

Blues: Edgar, Griffiths (Ryan 80), Hutchinson, Tennant, Poole, F Clarke, Leake (Smith 73), Williams, Hewitt, Morris, Burrows. Subs not used: Lucas, Borthwick, Frost.

Referee: Martin Bloor

Attendance: 161

Man of the match sponsor: KW Motors

Match ball sponsor: Steve Smith (Building Contractor) Ltd