PORTLAND UNITED 2

TOTTON & ELING 0

THERE was a distinct atmosphere of pride at Grove Corner on Saturday, as Portland United signed off at home for the campaign as champions and lifted the Sydenhams Wessex Division One trophy.

In all honesty, the contest itself with Totton & Eling did not showcase the Blues at their free-flowing best, but Gary Bailey’s men did enough to wrap up another three points to add to their tally and ensure they went the entire league campaign unbeaten at home.

It was fitting that Lewis Whyton managed to get his name on the scoresheet for the home side.

The island skipper and club stalwart, who admitted he was concerned he would not play again this season at one point after undergoing knee surgery earlier in the campaign, set the ball rolling with an early header and an own goal from Totton’s Dan Gain meant Portland’s party plans were not spoilt on the afternoon.

Visitors Totton had their preparations scuppered before they even reached Grove Corner, with one of their cars breaking down en route to the island before kick-off, meaning the start was delayed 15 minutes.

That gave a few others the chance to make their way into the home of the Blues, as Portland club president Dave Camp got his wish of seeing a gate of more than 200 for a league fixture on the island this term.

They were not to be disappointed as the home side started brightly.

A cross from Alex Halloran on the right narrowly evaded Whyton, who had made his way forward for a set-piece, and Gareth Will struck an effort that was comfortably saved soon after.

Halloran himself then let fly as the ball dropped just over his shoulder, showing great technique, he unleashed a fierce volley which rattled the crossbar and fell to safety, as a youthful Totton side struggled to handle the Blues.

The goal then came on 10 minutes which put Bailey’s side in the box seat. Halloran’s corner was swung in and met with a bullet header from Whyton, who powered into the bottom corner past Matt Taylor in the away goal.

That seemed to settle the hosts down a touch, and they had a number of opportunities to enhance their lead further.

Ross Carmichael headed over as the Blues showed their constant threat from set-pieces again and Ashley Smith failed to make contact when the ball was cut back to him in a dangerous area from the right flank.

Whyton then headed wide and Carl Morris didn’t quite get the connection he was looking for, striking straight at Taylor.

The island outfit were given a scare before the break however as, from a free-kick on the angle, Totton’s Josh Clarke delivered a devilish in-swinging delivery with his left foot and Hain headed at goal.

He must have thought he had scored, only to be denied by a sharp stop from Sean Lillington, who had very little to do up until that point.

Following the break, the away team were the first to threaten.

Clarke, who showed glimpses of his technical ability on the ball, tried his luck with a shot at goal which was denied after some neat build up down the left channel.

Realistically however, Portland knew the contest would have been killed off by a second strike.

Halloran failed to hit the target after Alex Godfrey pulled the ball back for him and striker Carl McClements worked Taylor as he flashed the ball towards the far post. Smith then battled for the ball and showed great tenacity to win it on the right and find substitute Adam Linaker, but he failed to convert in what was a stop-start second half.

However, Linaker was to play a part in the Blues’ second 10 minutes from time. He was set free and raced on to a ball forward and, as he looked to square it from inside the box, in came Hain to make the block which came off him at a right angle. He could only watch as the ball rolled past a wrong-footed Taylor and nestled in the net.

Lillington was called on once more at the other end with a superb stop, diving to his right to deny a fizzing effort from Totton’s Will Heather.

Another clean sheet. Another victory. Another trophy, as Portland’s journey back to the Wessex Premier Division is complete.

Blues: Lillington, Smith, Bessant, Carmichael, Whyton, Doidge, G Will (M Camp 84), Halloran, McClements (Mutch 78), Godfrey, Morris (Linaker 67). Sub not used: Ja Will

Totton & Eling: Taylor, Kitchener, Barnes, Lomax, Da Gain, Thorne, Dy Gain, Heather, McAlpine, Hartley, Clarke. Subs: Smith, Bottomly, Williams, Hancon.

Bookings: Blues – None

Totton & Eling – Heather

Attendance: 230