AFC STONEHAM 3

PORTLAND UNITED 0

PORTLAND United suffered their second loss of the season at AFC Stoneham as the Purples took a 3-0 victory in the Wessex League Premier Division.

In losing, Portland tasted their second defeat in eight games – a blip in what has been a hugely promising run.

Last week, the Blues thrashed Fareham Town 7-3 and chances were again in supply for Franklyn Clarke’s men.

Ben Morris went close from 20 yards and Josh Williams also had a good chance from the edge of the box in the first half.

Although Portland had enjoyed the better of the first half, Stoneham took the lead five minutes after the restart – catching the Blues napping.

READ MORE: Portland footballer scores SEVEN goals in one game

Ed Orvis quickly took a free-kick 30 yards from goal and his pass was on a plate for Scott Hills to run on to and slot past Portland keeper Mike Edgar.

The goal energised the Purples and Edgar had to be alert to save from Jake Thompson.

Portland retaliated when Danny Griffiths’ flicked header conjured a stunning stop from home keeper Tom Parker-Trott.

Sam Poole was denied and Clarke himself turned provider for sub Riley Weedon, his cross narrowly evading the run of the young midfielder. Oli Lowes was unable to turn the delivery home on the angle.

As Portland pushed upfield, they were hit twice on the break late on as Edgar parried Jamie Bulpitt’s shot only as far as Duarte Martins for 2-0 in the 84th minute.

Four minutes later, Bulpitt was a thorn in the Blues’ side again, finding sub Nathan Clements to add a third and give the scoreline an unreflective feel.

Speaking to Echosport after the defeat, Clarke said: “First half we dominated possession, created a couple of chances. Not as many as we normally do but a couple.

“We just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net when we had the chances.

“Second half they changed shape and formation and just caught us out a bit. They took a quick free-kick for the first goal – that was massive.

“When they were 1-0 up we were still in the ascendancy, we were still putting pressure on them. To be fair they were solid at the back.

“We went toe-to-toe and when it was 1-0 at the end we were chasing and just got done on the counter. We’re really disappointed.”

Portland are now 16th in the league.

Portland United now host Verwood Town in the rearranged Dorset Senior Cup quarter-final tomorrow (7.45pm).

Blues: Edgar, Thomas, Hutchinson, Griffiths, Poole, Williams, Weedon (Hewitt 70), F Clarke (Burrows 65), Morris, McKechnie, Lowes (Walbridge 60). Subs not used: Smith, Borthwick