HORNDEAN 1

PORTLAND UNITED 0

PORTLAND United nearly clinched an incredible point against new champions Horndean, only to concede a heartbreaking 95th-minute winner in their final game of the 2022/23 season.

Locked at 0-0, the Blues were battling against the mighty Wessex League Premier Division leaders, who needed a victory to guarantee the title.

A point would have continued their impressive late-season form but, in front of 1,359 people, Zack Willett headed home to seal the trophy in dramatic style.

Portland came under bombardment throughout as Rudi Blankson hit the bar and Tom Scutt saw an effort miraculously cleared off the line by Shaun Bessant.

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Portland’s Jack Delves responded by firing over before Horndean's Chad Field headed a huge chance wide at the back post.

Horndean continued their assault on Harrison Bruton’s goal as Blankson blazed over, while Willett struck the post and later blasted wide.

Still in the game at 0-0, Portland jangled home nerves when Liam Sayers rifled narrowly wide on 74 minutes.

And, when Tommy Tierney spurned a glorious chance in the 89th minute, the win looked beyond Horndean until Willett’s last-gasp moment of magic.

Speaking to Echosport, Portland boss Kyle Critchell said: “It was a tough evening.

“As I’ve said before, they’re probably the best side I’ve seen at Wessex League level.

“We had to battle, fight and do all those basics right to try and stay in the game. They created quite a few chances but we defended heroically.

“Ultimately, the pressure paid towards the end because they threw everything at it to make sure they got the victory to guarantee the title.

“In the end, they would’ve won it regardless but nothing but pride and in awe of the attitude and determination that the lads put in.

“We keep talking about progress. It shows how far we’ve come in such a short space of time.”

Portland are on course to finish 11th, barring a win by three goals for Hythe against Christchurch on Saturday (3pm).

Blues: Bruton, Harvey, Callow, Williams, Bessant, Symes (Diaz 80), Morris, Delves, Scott (Sayers 62), Rowe (Walbridge 77), Stuttle. Subs not used: Lucas, Critchell.