PORTLAND UNITED 0

BASHLEY 3

PORTLAND United were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Bashley in their Wessex League Premier Division clash at the Camp & Satherley Stadium.

Simply getting the game on was a victory for Portland, whose stadium had taken a beating from Storm Eunice last weekend.

Club volunteers were able to sufficiently fix the damage in time for this game but there was no reward for their efforts on the pitch as the Blues came up against an in-form Bashley side.

Bash had won all seven of their previous league fixtures, confidence spilling over into the first half at Portland as the visitors went ahead.

READ MORE: Portland and Christchurch air frustrations at defeat

The goal halted what had been a stuttering start from both teams, Jamie Webber firing past Mike Edgar from Ollie Bradley’s delivery.

Portland responded with a half-chance after pinball in the box before Edgar was forced into a good save on 30 minutes.

Marcus Smith then went close for the hosts, who were unable to pull level before the break.

Instead, Bashley deservedly increased their lead in the second half when a deflected cross fell perfectly for Webber to sidefoot home.

And just past the hour Bashley made sure of the points when George Stuttle upended Adam Grange in the box, Lewis Ross stepping up to beat Edgar from the spot.

Portland made three substitutions in a bid to score a consolation but Bashley held firm to record an eighth straight win, cementing their grip on fourth place.

Speaking to Echosport, Blues’ boss Franklyn Clarke said: “We worked our socks off, showed effort, desire, heart, character – everything we normally do.

“But we just came up against a side that, to be honest, were just a better team. You’ve got to hold your hands up and say: ‘They’re where we want to get to’.

“They’re the most well-drilled team we’ve played against this season but that comes from having four or five years together, the same players building something.

“I can’t fault the lads. They’re obviously further on in their development and were much the better team.”

On the volunteer effort to get the game on, Clarke said: “An amazing effort by everyone involved. Without that happening, with volunteers, the football club wouldn’t be the same.

“The donations are extremely kind and obviously go a long way. We thank everyone involved on behalf of the management and players.”

Portland visit Christchurch for their rearranged game tomorrow evening (7.45pm).

Blues: Edgar, Thomas, Hutchinson, McKechnie, Stuttle (Burrows 64), M Smith, Lowes, Sayers (Borthwick 65), Morris, F Clarke, Walbridge (Hewitt 79). Sub not used: B Smith.

Match sponsors: Portland Old Boys

Match ball sponsors: Archie & Sonia Pearce

Attendance: 152