PORTLAND UNITED 3

BAFFINS MILTON ROVERS 0

PORTLAND United turned in arguably their best performance of the season to dismiss promotion-chasing Baffins Milton Rovers 3-0 at the Camp & Satherley Stadium.

Franklyn Clarke’s men have been threatening a display of this magnitude in recent weeks after excellent showings at Poole, Moneyfields and Blackfield.

While scorelines had not always gone in their favour in those games, the general feeling was that a big result was imminent – and the Blues certainly delivered.

With Portland paying their respects all weekend to former manager Chris Wilson, whose funeral was held on Friday, this victory was a fitting tribute to his notable achievements with the Blues.

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From the off, Portland gave a performance Wilson would have been proud of as they harried Baffins, who sat third in the table prior to kick-off.

Their early efforts yielded a goal as Greg Borthwick showed his predatory instincts to tap home a deflected Ben Morris shot in the 15th minute.

Portland keeper Mike Edgar and opposite number Konrad Szymaniak traded saves and a manic period of three minutes towards the end of the half saw Marcus Smith have a shot cleared off the line in between two spurned Baffins chances.

In the second half, Oli Lowes shot wide before Edgar pulled off another top save to keep the score at 1-0.

His efforts were rewarded when Joel Hewitt buried a superb cross from the outstanding Lowes in the 65th minute.

But Portland were not done there as Morris unleashed a blockbuster strike from 20 yards that crashed in off the bar past Szymaniak to seal the three points in style.

Speaking to Echosport, assistant boss and man of the match Sam Poole said: “We’re growing as a team not only in terms of our know-how but a lot of younger players are getting a bit of maturity, knowing how to manage games and do the right things at the right times.

“It was probably the best performance we’ve had as a team. Baffins are a top, top side up there pushing for the title.

“They’ve had a blip over the last couple of games but take nothing away from our performance, I thought we were superb and well worthy of the three points.

“We created a handful of very good opportunities and it just gave us that belief.

“We really wanted to start the game well and take it to them. I can’t fault the lads, they got to grips with Baffins very, very quickly defensively.

“Going forward, we looked like we were going to hurt them at every opportunity.”

Portland visit Baffins’ fellow Wessex League Premier Division title contenders Brockenhurst on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Blues: Edgar, Thomas, Hutchinson, Stuttle, Poole, Williams (McKechnie 90+3), Morris, Smith, Borthwick (Walbridge 71), Lowes (Weedon 82), Hewitt. Sub not used: Sayers

Attendance: 115

Match sponsor: ABC Builders

Match ball & programme sponsor: Graham Luke

Man of the match sponsor: Kevin Day