FAREHAM TOWN 3

PORTLAND UNITED 7

PORTLAND United steamed to an outrageous 7-3 win at 10-man Fareham Town as the Blues recorded back-to-back Wessex League Premier Division victories.

Franklyn Clarke’s men have now lost just once in seven league matches and went some way to avenging last season’s 8-2 loss at Fareham.

Playing out a remarkable second straight 10-goal thriller, Fareham actually took the lead in the second minute through Kai Sterne.

An immaculately-served minute’s applause was held in the sixth minute in memory of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, who was tragically murdered in June 2020.

Ben Morris then made good on sustained Portland pressure with the equaliser on 29 minutes, finishing off a superb team move.

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Morris then latched on to a long ball, lashing home for 2-1 and there was drama before half-time when Fareham’s Ryan Mackney was shown red for a late tackle.

Portland turned on the style in the second half as sub Joel Hewitt scored on the counter before the unmarked Riley Weedon buried a Morris cross at the back post for 4-1.

Fareham pulled a goal back through Garry Moody, who finished the rebound after Josh Benfield’s attempt clattered off the bar.

Portland then called for substitute Matty Burrows and within 20 seconds of his introduction the pacy winger sped through the Fareham defence to score.

Morris notched his hat-trick in the 69th minute to cap a fine passing move but Benfield replied with Town’s third with 10 minutes remaining.

Benfield nicked the post with a powerful drive but the rout was completed when Burrows grabbed his brace, slotting high in the roof of the net for 7-3.

Clarke told Echosport: “We’ve been threatening that for some weeks now. The amount of chances we create, we’re going to give someone a good hiding.

“They just beat Horndean so we’re expecting a tough game. But we spoke to the lads and we’ve been doing loads of work in midweek in front of goal, just having calmness in big moments.

“It could’ve been more. I’m made up for the lads. We’re on a brilliant run and showing improvement.”

Asked if the win was Portland’s best of the season, Clarke responded: “Yeah, definitely.

“It’s the best game since I’ve been at the club. It’s nice to see the ball in the back of the net when you’ve got chances. Really good all round.”

Portland host Verwood on Tuesday, where the club will be holding a collection for the Portland Food Bank. All donations welcome.

Blues: Edgar, Thomas, Hutchinson, Poole, McKechnie, Williams, Smith, F Clarke, Sayers (Hewitt 25), Morris (Borthwick 70), Weedon (Burrows 66). Sub not used: Lowes

Attendance: 223