HIGHWORTH TOWN 4 Portland UNITED 3 PORTLAND United's hopes of a money-spinning FA Cup run were cruelly shattered in the last minute of this enthralling preliminary round contest at Elm Rec.

With the scores level at three apiece, a replay back at Grove Corner tomorrow night appeared just reward for the battling islanders against experienced Hellenic League side Highworth Town.

But a misdirected throw deep in his own half by Danny Bews failed to reach intended target Andy Turrell and when Chris Reader made a hash of clearing the danger, in raced Tate Hulbert to secure the hosts a first qualifying round trip to Evesham Town.

It was a bitter pill for the Blues to swallow on a day that began with a horrendous four and half hour journey to Wiltshire which caused the kick-off to be delayed by 30 minutes.

And the visitors were still finding their feet when Town took a 12th minute lead through an eight-yard toe poke from Jamie Mills.

Portland eventually settled into their rhythm and were back on level terms on 22 minutes when Chris Naylor fed James Reeve on the edge of the box.

The lanky striker made no mistake with a powerful finish and he was then on hand in the 31st minute to put his team in front following a neat build-up involving Turrell, Andy Perkins and David Laws.

Highworth came back into the contest after the break and they equalised in the 53rd minute through Mark Belcher Shortly after they got their noses in front, albeit in somewhat controversial circumstances.

Matty Saye looked a mile offside when collecting a loose ball some 15-yards out, but both the referee and linesman completely ignored United's appeals, allowing the Town attacker to find the back of the net.

The Dorset outfit dominated after that and they got their just desserts when Reeve turned his marker in the 78th minute and laid off for Laws to rifle them back on level terms.

But just as the home supporters were beginning to plan their journeys south for the re-match, Hulbert arrived to break Blues hearts.

United could have squared things following an injury time corner, but goalkeeper Paul Myers, who had joined the rest of his colleagues in the opponents penalty area, saw a thunderous volley tipped over the bar.

Shell-shocked Blues boss Nick Preston said: "We're all absolutely gutted. A replay was there for the taking and we blew it with a moment's ill discipline right at the death.

"We didn't have the best preparation after being held up in traffic, but once we got going we were the better side and should have come away with something.

"To miss out in a competition like the FA Cup is gut wrenching and it just makes us all the more determined to do well in the FA Vase which starts at the weekend."

Blues: Myers, Bews, Reader, Wallis, Carter, Evans, Turrell, Perkins, Naylor, Laws, Reeves. Subs not used: L Dailey, J Dailey, Wisden, George, Preston.