CHRISTCHURCH 2

PORTLAND UNITED 1

PORTLAND United saw their mini run of away wins come to an end as Christchurch won 2-1 to secure their Wessex League Premier Division status for the 2022/23 season.

Victory was even sweeter for Priory boss Callum Brooks, who beat the club he departed 18 months ago.

With Portland already safe, Christchurch had more incentive to secure the three points and the hosts went 2-0 up inside 28 minutes.

Sam Bayston, who left Dorchester Town earlier this month, beat the offside trap for the first goal to score on 23 minutes.

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And they doubled their lead five minutes later when Luke Ansell’s long throw was smuggled home by Harry Cooper.

Portland had a strong penalty appeal for handball turned down before the break but in a stop-start second half Priory went close again as sub Josh Taylor hit the bar.

Portland boss Franklyn Clarke brought on 16-year-old Hayden Scott late on and the teenager came up trumps just two minutes after his introduction, scoring with a cool finish.

Christchurch nearly had a third on the counter as Portland chased an equaliser, keeper Mike Edgar denying Taylor, but the hosts did enough to win and join Portland in the same division next season.

Speaking to Portland media officer Josh Barton, Clarke said: “I put it down to Christchurch needing three points to stay in the league.

“Credit to Callum, organised them well. Christchurch battled like they needed three points.

“The performance in the first half, they deserved the three points. In terms of us – leggy, tired, not winning first balls, not winning second balls, losing the midfield battle.

“Out of possession, just not organised enough. We lacked quality, any real togetherness, direction.

“The information is given but it’s another thing to come out and do it. We’ve had two fantastic results the last two games. (Tuesday) was disappointing.”

He added: “When we play against teams in and around us we drop our standards, which I’m not happy with and we’ll have to put that right next season.”

Portland next host Horndean on Saturday (3pm).

Blues: Edgar, Thomas, Diaz, Stuttle (Scott 81), McKechnie, Poole, M Smith (Cleaver 77), Burrows, Borthwick, Lowes, Walbridge (Kelly 71). Sub not used: Holloway.