DOWNTON 0 Portland UNITED 1

A WONDER-goal by Andy Mason was enough to earn Portland United maximum points at Wick Lane last night.

The former Terras player-boss lashed home an unstoppable 25-yard effort early in the second half to make it two Sydenhams Wessex League wins out of two for the islanders.

But Blues had to work hard for victory against a much-improved Downton side who appear to have shaken off their image as one of the division's whipping boys.

"They're a totally different team this season," said Portland boss Nick Preston, "and I can't see too many sides giving them a hammering any more.

"Their manager has made improvements in all departments including two quick lads up front who gave us problems all night.

"When I looked at their 2-2 draw again Fareham on Saturday I suspected they'd made changes for the better and they certainly have.

"I think they could cause a few of the big boys a few worries over the coming months and so I'm delighted to have come home with the points."

It was the visitors who carved the best goal scoring chances during a frantic first half in which fans enjoyed some cracking end to end entertainment.

Chris Evans went close with a volley on ten minutes while David Laws should have done better than shoot wide after being set up by Mason on the half hour.

Dave Whalley and James Reeve then missed opportunities to put United in front and it took a good save by Paul Myers to deny the home side right on the stroke of half-time.

The second period saw Portland up the tempo in midfield with Mason, Whalley, Evans and Andy Perkins all giving commanding performances.

And it was a foul on Perkins that led to the only goal of the game in the 61st minute and a red card for the guilty defender.

Whalley faked to crack the resultant free kick goalwards but instead laid the ball square to Mason who in turn unleashed a thunderbolt that sailed into the roof of the net.

With Downton reduced to ten men, it was all Portland after that and only poor finishing prevented Reeve, Laws and Whalley from doubling the Dorset side's advantage.

Downton rarely threatened during the closing stages and in the end it proved a comfortable success for the Blues.

Preston added: "Having two away games in the first week of the new season was always going to be tough and picking up maximum points is really pleasing.

"Neither Downton or Cowes Sports, who we played on Saturday, have proved easy opponents but the lads have responded brilliantly to the challenge.

"Obviously we're looking forward to playing at home this weekend when Blackfield and Langley are the visitors and it's another game from which we'd expect to pick up all three points."

He added: "There's a long, long way to go this season but we really couldn't have made a better start and there's definitely better to come."

Blues: Myers, Bews, Reader, J Dailey, Wallis, Evans, Whalley, Perkins, Reeve, Laws, Mason. Subs not used: Tizard, Turrell, L Dailey