Despite mounting a late comeback, the Blues suffered defeat at the Camp and Satherley Stadium over the weekend from Andover New Street.

It was a tense opening exchange between both teams, with Portland doing their best to capitalise on any early opportunity, with New Street doing well to defend.

After fourteen minutes in, the visitors had the first clear cut opportunity to take the lead, but keeper Tom Jobe did well to come off his line to make a save from close range.

Three minutes later, the Blues had a chance of their own following some slick passing combinations. Maxwell Buckler did well to find Beale on the near side, before he cut in and delivered a cross into the path of Greg Borthwick, whose acrobatic effort knocked the crossbar.

Defender Darren Husher had the next attempt for the Blues, as his effort from a corner went over the bar. Moments later, Patrick Jenkins played in Borthwick, who couldn’t quite make clinical contact with the ball.

Portland’s pressure was paying off as Borthwick found the back of the net to see the Blues in front after 22 minutes. Jenkins pressed the ball well in the final third and squared the ball across the box to Borthwick who tucked the shot home.

New Street got an equaliser before the stroke of half time, from a header towards the far post. They took the lead six minutes into the second half from the edge of the box.

The visitors made it three goals after 76 minutes, but the Blues hit back in added time to reduce the deficit. Troy Walbridge smacked the ball on the volley from the edge of the area to make the score 3-2.