PORTLAND UNITED 2

SHAFTESBURY 2

(Shaftesbury win 5-4 on pens)

PORTLAND United suffered Dorset Senior Cup heartbreak against Shaftesbury, losing 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

The tie went the whole 120 minutes but Portland will wonder how they did not kill the game off after going 2-0 up.

Shaftesbury fielded a number of players with extensive Southern League experience and needed a second-half rescue mission to wipe out Portland’s advantage.

The Blues did very little wrong in the game and forced the Rockies into the first major error when Liam Sayers robbed away keeper James Mayo and teed up Greg Borthwick to power home.

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Chances came and went for both sides before the break but Portland doubled their lead on 54 minutes when Matt Harvey nodded home Josh Williams’ corner.

However, Shaftesbury began to creep back into the game after Cam Beard won a penalty, converted by former islander Bailey Rowe on 65 minutes.

And the visitors got back on level terms nine minutes later through ex-Weymouth youngster Liam Farrugia but Portland went close to a winner courtesy of Marcus Smith and Hayden Scott.

Extra-time was needed and Portland again gave the Shaftesbury goal a severe examination with Mayo saving a Jamie Cleaver header, before the Blues had two shots cleared off the line.

In a superb cup tie, back came Shaftesbury only to have a goal disallowed as penalties were required to split the teams.

Ryan McKechnie hit the bar with Portland’s first penalty and with the next eight safely tucked away Shaftesbury stood on the brink of victory.

That was until they missed their fifth spot-kick, giving Portland the chance to go ahead in sudden-death.

In a fresh twist, Harvey was denied by Mayo and Brad Hill then beat Mike Edgar to send Shaftesbury through and leave Portland licking their wounds.

Speaking to Echosport, Portland boss Franklyn Clarke said: “It was some effort. We were 2-0 up and had a few chances to make it three, couldn’t quite take them.

“Then, when you’re playing against a squad with that ability 2-0 isn’t a big enough lead.

“Even when they went 2-2 we just went from strength to strength in extra-time. Just a really positive performance.

“The football club can be extremely proud of what they watched.”

Portland next visit Shaftesbury in the league in a rare Friday evening clash (7.45pm).

Blues: Edgar, Greenwood-Neate (M Smith 74), Diaz, Harvey, McKechnie, Thomas, Williams, Cleaver, Borthwick (Scott 75), Morris, Walbridge (Sayers 22). Sub not used: Lucas.