PORTLAND UNITED 2

LAVERSTOCK & FORD 4

PORTLAND United’s slip in form continued with a 4-2 home defeat to Laverstock & Ford in the Wessex League Premier Division.

Franklyn Clarke’s men have now conceded four goals in each of their past three games since a six-game unbeaten run came to an end.

This match was billed as a revenge mission for the Blues, having lost 1-0 at Lavvy earlier in the season.

However, it became more about which defence would concede the fewest goals in a poor defensive display.

READ MORE: Cribbs 4-2 Portland United - match report

Portland went behind in the eighth minute as Russell Jones was allowed space and time to rifle past Mike Edgar.

Brin Doyle had Portland’s best efforts before half-time but instead Lavvy doubled their lead four minutes after the restart through Adam Bourner.

Matt Harvey pulled a goal back for Portland after a solo run from Ryan McKechnie but Jones netted again soon afterwards to restore Lavvy’s two-goal cushion.

Portland cleared a shot off the line before Troy Walbridge again reduced the margin to 3-2.

And in their haste to equalise, Portland conceded a penalty, converted by Cameron Roach in stoppage-time to put the result beyond doubt.

Speaking to Echosport, Clarke said: “I missed the game due to a 24-hour bug but it’s disappointing not to get anything from the game.

“It was a game we were looking to target for three points, so to come away with no points is disappointing, you can’t hide from that.

“It just comes down to individual errors. Fours goals again is concerning, especially after such a good spell of six games that we had.”

Portland next visit Hythe & Dibden in the league on Saturday (3pm).

Blues: Edgar, Thomas (Lowes 68), Harvey, Callow, Stuttle, McKechnie, Morris, M Smith, Doyle, Sayers, Borthwick (Walbridge 70). Sub not used: Diaz.

Attendance: 144