PORTLAND UNITED RES 5

BALTI SPORTS 1

PORTLAND United Reserves continued their scoring spree with a 5-1 derby win over Balti Sports in chilly conditions at the Camp & Satherley Stadium.

Adding to their 19 goals against Sturminster Marshall on Saturday, the Blues have now netted 24 times in the space of five days.

They had to fight back from 1-0 down on this occasion following a bright start from the visitors, which included a stunning 40-yard lob from Sami Nicholls.

The Blues were level five minutes later as Ryan McKechnie stole in across his marker to volley a cross home.

READ MORE: Portland United Reserves 19-0 Sturminster Marshall - report

Balti passed up an opportunity for 2-1 when Matty Chambers was denied by home keeper Sam Moggeridge from six yards out, before the winger fired a second chance wide after a solo run.

Conditions were well below freezing with windchill and Balti froze in the second half.

Portland ran away with the match as Archie Woolford netted twice, while Riley Greenwood-Neate and sub Lance Wilson also struck.

Balti boss Marco Nott said: “It’s disappointing really. At half-time we were happy.

“Whether it was the weather, and they were stood around waiting for kick-off, there’s no excuse they should’ve been ready.

“Portland capitalised and deserved the 5-1 victory. We had a few free-kicks and half-chances at the end. Honestly, from minute one in the second half it was disappointing.

“The reaction after conceding the first goal after half-time was poor and we never got going.”

Balti now move onto an even trickier match against reigning champions Holt United at Weymouth College on Saturday (2pm).

Nott added: “We’re in a period of brutal fixtures, there’s been no let-up. It’s credit to the league for being so strong this year.

“To be honest, we could’ve called the game off quite easily through Harrison (Wallis) being selected for the Dorset Premier League representative side, which is credit to him.

“But I’m keen to get games on because I’m conscious now that we’re a little bit behind in games.

“Holt are a very good opponent and a very good young side. It’s obviously a very tough game and one we need a reaction from that second half, because it wasn’t good at all.

“We know we need to be better and we look forward to welcoming Holt.”

Ollie James misses out after returning to university, while Harry Rupp is also unavailable. Sami Nicholls is a doubt but Sol Roche is expected to return.