Portland United joint manager were narrowly defeated by Baffins Milton Rovers on Saturday but joint manager Shaun Bessant was 'proud' of the team's performance.

It comes after the Blues latest defeat having lost their last five Wessex League games. 

There was a welcome return to the pitch for captain Connor Callow after missing three months of the season but his return was unable to inspire a win. 

He was joined by two of the club's new signings as Max Buckler and Tom Jobe who both came straight into the team after joining the Blues last week. 

Tyrhys Luko's goal was the difference after he bundled the ball over the line in a goal mouth scramble to give the visitors a first half lead.

The Blues kept up the pressure in the second half but were unable to break down a resolute Baffins defence who held on to take all three points at the Camp & Satherley. 

However, despite defeat to Baffins, Bessant has said that the narrow loss was 'a massive stepping stone' as they team look to get back to winning ways. 

Speaking on the club's X account after the game, he said: "It's a massive stepping stone to get back to winning ways.

"You've got to go little by little and you've got to get the performance right to win matches and today, I thought we were outstanding.

"Each and everyone of them put in a shift, I could name one to 11, and the boys that came on. 

"Ben Holloway came on and was superb.

"We did everything today but put the ball in the back of the net."

Pat Jenkins came close with several first half chances, the second of which produced a stunning save from the Baffins keeper, and Bessant was quick to point out the striker's lack of luck in front of goal at the moment. 

He added: "Pat Jenkins is the unluckiest bloke going. 

"He either hits the post of the keeper pulls of a worldie save at the minute. 

"He just needs one to fall to him for a tap in and he'll get back to scoring ways.

"But we are immensely proud of the boys."

Next up for Portland is a trip to Hythe & Dibden on Saturday, November 9.