PORTLAND UNITED 3

CHRISTCHURCH 0

PORTLAND United returned to their old ways with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Dorset counterparts Christchurch at the Camp & Satherley Stadium.

Kyle Critchell’s men had not won for three matches but delivered a performance in keeping with the majority of their season, taking all three points and a clean sheet.

It was the perfect way to mark both Ryan McKechnie’s 350th match for the Blues, plus an impressive debut for forward Connor Bent.

Portland were dominant from the off, with Bent’s movement and ball-carrying up top a real feature of the Blues’ play.

And, moments after McKechnie fired over, Portland were deservedly ahead as Jacob Coombs bagged his first Wessex League goal with a predatory strike, stabbing home after a goalmouth scramble.

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Portland went close to 2-0 when McKechnie was denied a goal on his landmark appearance, straying offside before finishing.

Portland were unfazed though and doubled their lead on 25 minutes.

Bent was the driving force behind the goal, surging forward and possessing the quality to pick out captain Josh Williams at the back post where the midfielder smashed home for 2-0.

Portland’s onslaught continued when Priory keeper Calum White kept out Brin Doyle and Sam Gadsby hit the post from a corner.

Christchurch missed a big chance before the break but the visitors continued to improve in the second half, although home stopper Harrison Bruton was not troubled by a series of long-range efforts.

Williams blazed another chance over and the Blues thought they had won a penalty when Bent was felled in the box, only for the assistant referee to flag for a goal-kick, bringing play back.

However, the Blues made sure of the win with a third goal in the 76th minute as Connor Callow found the net at the back post, converting a wicked free-kick from Williams for his second career Blues goal.

There was still time for White to deny Williams a fourth as Portland fittingly ended the match on top.

Speaking to Echosport, Critchell said: “I think 3-0 probably flattered Christchurch a little bit. If we were more clinical, we could’ve scored more.

“That was more like us, a very positive on-the-front-foot performance and at times it was a real joy to watch.

“We learnt our lessons from Hythe. We worked extremely hard in training, looking at how we would unlock defences when we were in possession.

“We took everything we worked on in training into the game and, in the end, it was a convincing win.

“I have to say Christchurch handled themselves really well, it’s a club in transition. At Portland, we know what that’s like.”

On McKechnie’s milestone, Critchell added: “The evergreen Ryan McKechnie!

“He’s been a fantastic servant to Portland United Football Club, he’s a fantastic guy and has really high expectations.

“A lot of the young lads can learn a lot from him. He’s done wonderful things for me, so I’m really proud of what he’s achieved.”

Blues: Bruton, Bessant, Clarke (Stuttle 74), Williams, Gadsby, Callow, Doyle (Woolford 81), Coombs, McKechnie, Bent, Wickham (Morris 70). Subs not used: Symes, Harvey.

Attendance: 205.

Match and man-of-the-match sponsor: Paul Wilson.

Match ball sponsor: Lighthouse Windows.

Programme sponsor: Steve Smith Building.

Mascots: Portland Panthers Under-10s.