PORTLAND UNITED 2

LYMINGTON TOWN 2

PORTLAND United retained their unbeaten home record under boss Kyle Critchell but needed a late equaliser to draw 2-2 with Lymington Town.

The Blues’ unbeaten run now stretches to eight home games, but their positive sequence of results was under threat after quickly going 2-0 down.

Lymington’s double came after Portland’s Luke Sheehy had an effort cleared off the line and Josh Williams slammed a free-kick against the post on nine minutes.

Just 60 seconds later, Lymo went 1-0 up with their first attack and Portland did not deal with a chipped ball into the area, Kayden Traynor sweeping home past birthday boy Harrison Bruton.

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And if Portland were rocked by the first goal, they were shellshocked eight minutes later when Joe Roberts doubled their lead.

Portland did not create another noteworthy chance until the 42nd minute when Ryan McKechnie brought a good save from the Lymington keeper.

Ben Morris, arguably Portland’s player of the half, then saw an effort blocked on the line before Bailey Rowe and Shaun Bessant also went close as the Blues were frustrated before half-time.

Portland found Lymington tough to break down in the second half and it took until the 68th minute for their next opportunity to come as McKechnie was once more denied by the keeper.

However, ten minutes later the Blues got back into it with a deserved goal from Morris, who popped up in the right place when Jamie Symes’ header caused carnage in the Lymo defence.

Symes headed wide late on and it looked like Portland were destined for defeat until the Blues were awarded a penalty in the 87th minute.

Up stepped McKechnie to bury the spot-kick to the delight of the 151-strong crowd, giving the Blues a chance at all three points.

Hayden Scott fired over an ambitious effort from a tight angle and Symes’ shot on the turn crept wide before Lymington countered and wobbled the post in a remarkable finish.

Post-match, assistant Symes told Echosport: “It was frustrating because we felt like it was a game we could really go for.

“It was pleasing in the lads’ determination and attitude to come from two goals down. It was just disappointing in the way their two goals went in.

“We knew that was their main threat but it was a really good comeback and we’re pleased with the point.”

Blues: Bruton, Steele, Callow (Symes 76), Williams, Bessant, Gadsby, Sheehy, McKechnie, Sayers (Borthwick 54), Rowe (Scott 54), Morris. Subs not used: Harvey, Stuttle.

Attendance: 151