BROCKENHURST 4

PORTLAND UNITED 2

PORTLAND United were sent to a 4-2 loss at title challengers Brockenhurst in an action-packed Wessex League Premier Division clash.

Joel Hewitt put the islanders 1-0 up in the ninth minute as a corner caused alarm in the Badgers’ defence, the striker slamming home after pinball in the area.

Hewitt later fired over after good play from Oli Lowes and Brockenhurst responded by rattling keeper Mike Edgar’s woodwork.

But seven minutes before half-time Kieran O’Donnell lashed home a sweet strike on the edge of the area despite Portland claims of handball in the build-up.

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Hewitt lifted a shot over the bar just before the break but Brock were able to pull away from the Blues with a devastating burst of three goals in the space of 13 second-half minutes.

O’Donnell notched his second from 20 yards with a magnificent strike and equally impressive kickboxing celebration.

Badgers’ top scorer Obeng then hit the bar before converting his next chance, chipping the ball over the onrushing Edgar despite claims for offside to record his 30th goal of the season.

Lyle Simpson capitalised on space at the back post to register Brockenhurst’s fourth – matching their tally in the reverse fixture back in September.

Portland are a much improved side since then and Josh Williams pulled a goal back with 14 minutes remaining to restore a slither of hope for the Blues.

Ben Morris fired narrowly off target late on but Brockenhurst were able to see out the game to move third, within six points of leaders Horndean and possessing two games in hand.

Speaking to Echosport, Blues’ boss Franklyn Clarke rued his side’s luck during the second half.

He said: “We were in the lead for quite a while in the first half and I just felt if we got that second one we could’ve really kicked on.

“We came close to getting it but then they got one before half-time. Going in at 1-1 was all right but they went up a gear and we probably didn’t.

“Two of their goals we weren’t happy with. We felt the first one was handball, I think the third one our defenders feel it was offside.

“We got a goal back but couldn’t close that gap. It’s certainly an improvement from earlier in the season.

“There were some kind words from their manager (Pat McManus) saying that we’re a constantly improving side, which was the aim this season.”

Portland host Cowes Sports on Saturday at the earlier time of 2.30pm.

Blues: Edgar, Thomas, Diaz, Stuttle, Poole, Smith, M Smith, Morris, Williams, Borthwick (McKechnie 69), Lowes (Walbridge 58), Hewitt (F Clarke 46).