Portland UNITED 6

MERLEY COBHAM SPORTS 0

JOE Toghill and Adam Linaker both grabbed braces as Portland United finally turned on the style at Grove Corner against Merley Cobham Sports.

Having lost their previous two home games, the Blues went into the contest under a little bit of pressure but after surviving a nervous opening 10 minutes they soon found their stride to the delight of Stuart Heath.

The United boss said: “We started a bit sloppily with Merley creating a couple of good chances to take the lead but as soon as we went ahead on 15 minutes through Adam Linaker we settled down and produced some great football.

“Sam Pattison, Tom Carter and Joe Toghill then went on to put us four up at the break and we continued the momentum into the second half when Adam and Joe both completed their braces.

“To be honest it was just great to see the players play with such speed and quality.

“Following a couple of great away performances we knew it was about time we did the same at home in front of our loyal and paying fans and we delivered.

“With the squad we have this season, I think a lot of people expected us to hit the ground running and play that type of football from the very first game but sometimes it does not happen like that.

“That is why it was so important not to over react because sometimes it does take a game or two for things to click together, which they have in the last two games.

“We have started to build some momentum and confidence now, and hopefully we can continue to get stronger as the season goes on.

“The appetite in training has gone up a level and the players are all playing with smiles on their faces, which are both very encouraging signs for the weeks ahead.”

The Blues lie third in the Magna Dorset Premier League, two points adrift of leaders Hamworthy Recrea-tion, having played one game more. The first meeting between the two clubs is scheduled for October 29 at Grove Corner.

Blues: Carroll, Wells (Cranny 65), Reader, Carter, Whyton, Doidge, Toghill (Perkins 65), Halloran, Litherland, Linaker, Pattison (Smith 65).

Attendance: 143